(Markham, Ontario) – Trend-setting performance apparel designer Ralph Dunning and his company, Dunning Golf, announce that staff players Zach Johnson, Bob Estes and Craig Barlow have secured places in the 2006 United States Open Championship, June 15-18 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York.
Johnson, who has competed in the last two U.S. Open Championships, received his exemption by placing among the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings. The 30-year-old native of Iowa City, Iowa, is currently ranked No. 35. In 14 PGA Tour events this year, he has won more than $1.9 million (USD) and stands 18th on the official money list.
An 11-time U.S. Open competitor, Estes earned his exemption by placing among the top-15 finishers at the 2005 Championship, where he tied for 11th. On the strength of a second-place finish at the Shell Houston Open, the four-time PGA Tour winner has won nearly $900,000 (USD) this year in 12 events and is currently 44th on the official money list.
Well on his way to a career year, Barlow has already recorded two top-10 finishes in 2006, including a third place at the Nissan Open. He secured a place in this year’s Championship via sectional qualifying in Columbus, Ohio. The 33-year-old Nevada native played in his first U.S. Open as an amateur in 1994 and made his first professional appearance at the 2005 Championship, making the cut and finishing 82nd.
"This is a great opportunity for Zach, Bob and Craig to shine on one of golf’s largest stages," says Ralph Dunning. "Conditions at the U.S. Open are typically very demanding – mentally and physically – and they know our premium technical fabrics allow them to focus solely on their games."
Johnson, Estes and Barlow – along with fellow Dunning Golf staff players John Senden, Bob Burns, Brian Gay and Spencer Levin – prefer the way the company’s complete line of performance apparel protects them from the sun, increases airflow, wicks moisture away from their bodies and helps keep their core temperatures stable in all conditions.
The industry’s fastest growing performance apparel brand, all Dunning Golf pieces are engineered and manufactured to suit the physical demands of the golf swing and the unique form and physiology of the wearer. Drawing from Ralph Dunning’s 15-year heritage as a top apparel designer for sports such as triathlon and cycling, Dunning Golf provides unparalleled moisture management, durability, comfort, breathability and UV protection.
An authentic golf brand, Dunning Golf is sold at the finest pro shops and golf-specific retailers throughout North America. Priced from $50 to $190 USD, the company’s Spring 2006 men’s collection includes long and short-sleeve polos, mock necks, pull-overs, zip-necks, compression tops and bottoms, pants, shorts and outerwear in more than 400 different styles and color ways.
For more information, please visit www.dunninggolf.com or call 800.955.6528.
About Dunning Golf
Manufactured almost entirely in Canada to the strictest quality standards, Dunning Golf engineers its own fabrics from the yarn up. This means that performance is built-in to the innovative apparel line, and won’t wash out or wear out after repeated use
Named "2005 Executive of the Year" by SCOREGolf magazine, company founder and principal designer Ralph Dunning is a lifelong athlete who boasts a 15-year heritage at the cutting-edge of performance apparel design. His experience competing in numerous marathons, triathlons, IRONMAN competitions and endurance cycling events provided a unique background for his work as a designer for some of the largest and most authentic sports brands in the world. He became an avid golfer after developing knee problems. Now 41, Dunning carries a single-digit handicap and draws design inspiration from his passions for sport, music and fashion.
Contact:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3322
twilliams@billycaspergolf.com
