Also Improves upon Legendary Pinnacle Gold Franchise and Launches New Pink Ribbon Products
Fairhaven, MA (September 14, 2007) – Building upon its reputation as the long-standing leader in the value golf ball category, Pinnacle introduces new Platinum Feel and Platinum Distance golf ball models, enhances the legendary Pinnacle Gold franchise and launches two new Pink Ribbon golf ball products. The #2 selling brand in the marketplace, behind its Acushnet Company companion Titleist, Pinnacle continues to serve as the golf ball choice for distance and performance seeking value-conscious golfers. The new Pinnacle Platinum offerings will serve as the new two-product flagship microbrand with premium positioning above the Pinnacle Gold family , as well as performance superiority versus competitive multi-model value brands. All of the new Pinnacle products begin shipping in mid-September.
"With the New Pinnacle Platinum Feel and Platinum Distance, we reinforce our class versus mass positioning of the Pinnacle brand," said George Sine, Vice President Golf Ball Marketing and Strategic Planning, Acushnet Company Worldwide. "Inherent in the Pinnacle brand strategy is ensuring that its ‘Distance Doesn’t Have to be Hard®’ positioning is uppercase and its reputation for providing golfers with distance and performance at a value is enhanced. From the advanced performance of the Pinnacle Platinum Feel and Platinum Distance models, to the new levels of distance and feel with Gold FX Softâ?¢ and Gold FX Longâ?¢, as well as the addition of the New Ribbon model in white and clear pink, the Pinnacle brand has never been stronger or as appealing to the value conscious golfer."
With "Distance Doesn’t Have to be Hard" continuing to serve as the Pinnacle brand tagline, the new Platinum microbrand improves upon the predecessor Exception model, offering a softer variation, as well as a longer iteration to capture and attract new better player value consumers.
NEW PLATINUM FEEL: Designed for golfers seeking soft feel and high performance control within the "better player" value category, the new Platinum Feel utilizes a soft, thin cover formulation and a large 1.595" core construction that contributes to softer feel with a high initial velocity. A new, high coverage 332 Icosahedral dimple design helps provide consistent ball flight. A new, alignment sidestamp promotes better putting accuracy.
NEW PLATINUM DISTANCE: Offering a longer distance companion product to the Platinum Feel golf ball, Pinnacle advances the two-model flagship family to new lengths with the Platinum Distance. A new high velocity 1.565" core formulation, resilient lower spin cover and new, high coverage 332 Icosahedral dimple design combine to provide golfers long, straight distance on all shots without sacrificing feel. A new, alignment sidestamp promotes putting accuracy.
Consistent with the new personality of the Pinnacle Platinum products, the Platinum Feel and Platinum Distance feature a new icon, jet trail logo Platinum nameplate and alignment sidestamp. The new Pinnacle Platinum packaging also employs a rainbow foil and liquid metal presentation to pronounce its platinum personality as well as improve its presence and positioning among other value products.
Comprehensive merchandising initiatives will accompany the launch of the new Pinnacle Platinum microbrand, including in-shop collateral featuring the tagline "Pinnacle Goes Double Platinum." Trial will be encouraged via 2-ball packs, as well as 4-ball and 6-ball sidekick offerings.
The Pinnacle Platinum Feel and Platinum Distance carry an MSRP of $22 per dozen ($17.99 MAP).
NEW GOLD FX SOFT: Complementing Pinnacle’s Platinum introductions is the New and Improved Pinnacle Gold FX Soft which has been advanced to provide legendary Pinnacle Gold long and straight distance, while delivering softer feel on all shots. Designed for distance biased players, the new Pinnacle Gold FX Soft features a new, softer Surlyn cover and a soft compression, resilient core, providing value conscious recreational golfers with a soft yet cut-proof guaranteed golf ball at a superior value. A new, alignment sidestamp promotes better putting accuracy.
NEW GOLD FX LONG: Pinnacle continues to provide a golf ball product that performs for high ball speed recreational players and those whose first requirement is to hit it long. As the longest Pinnacle product to date, the new Pinnacle Gold FX Long will appeal to aspiring long drivers, as well as value conscious recreational golfers who prioritize long, straight distance. As the Official Golf Ball of the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, and featuring the Pinnacle Posse on its packaging, the new Pinnacle Gold FX Long delivers the longest conforming product available.
The Pinnacle Gold FX Soft and Gold FX Long carry an MSRP of $18 per 15-ball pack ($14.99 MAP).
"The new Gold FX offerings will instill confidence in and engage momentum for the Pinnacle brand," said Sine. "There is no better reinforcement to the brand, than the representation of the Pinnacle Posse, including reigning and 5-Time RE/MAX World Long Drive champion Jason Zuback and 2006 runner-up Eric Lastowka, as well as Brian Pavlet, Art Sellinger, Mike Moulton, Dan Boever, Brian Nash and Bobby Wilson. Anybody who has witnessed their exhibitions knows that their power extends beyond driving prowess."
NEW PINNACLE RIBBON: The new Pinnacle Ribbon product is designed to provide value conscious lady golfers superior distance with softer feel in traditional white and a new clear pink cover options. A softer Surlyn cover and soft compression, resilient core promotes softer feel, improved control and long distance with guaranteed cut-proof durability.
Pinnacle continues to align the lady product offering with its support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, prioritizing the importance of their awareness icon and the new ribbon positioning. In addition to a new, Pinnacle "jet trail logo," Ribbon nameplate and pink play number, the new sidestamp will feature the new Komen for the Cure logo and accompanying pink ribbon. The packaging will feature pink as the primary color with a flowing pink ribbon design. The Acushnet Company is a proud member of the Komen Foundation’s Million Dollar Council and is dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness.
The Pinnacle Ribbon carries an MSRP of $18 per 15-ball pack ($14.99 MAP).
"With the Pinnacle brand we strive to provide discernable points of difference and a higher realized value for the golfer," said Sine. "With our new Pinnacle Platinum, Gold FX and Ribbon introductions, we are committed to exceeding the needs of value conscious better playing golfers, as well as the long and straight distance seeking recreational golfer. This is, without a doubt, the strongest, most comprehensive Pinnacle golf ball family in its legendary history, reaching a wider range of golfers with products that will improve their performance and enhance their golfing experience."
Titleist, FootJoy, Cobra and Pinnacle comprise the major golf brands of the Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE – FO). For additional information or photography of the new Pinnacle golf ball line, please contact Joe Gomes, Director of Communications, Acushnet Company (508.979.3211) or visit us on-line at:
http://www.pinnaclegolf.com/
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