SUGAR GROVE, Ill., July 14, 2008 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and Ashworth today jointly announced that Ashworth has been named the official outfitter of the 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team. Ashworth will outfit the U.S. Solheim Cup Team at the 2009 Solheim Cup, Aug. 21-23, at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill. The Solheim Cup is a biennial trans-Atlantic match-play event featuring the top 12 U.S.-born players from the LPGA and the best European members from the Ladies European Tour (LET). The U.S. Team leads the competition, 7-3, and has never lost The Solheim Cup on home soil.
It is the first time Ashworth has been selected to design, create and supply the U.S. Solheim Cup Team’s official uniforms. As the official apparel provider, Ashworth will outfit U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain Beth Daniel, Assistant Captains Meg Mallon and Kelly Robbins, and their 12-member team. U.S. team members-as well as all Solheim Cup volunteers-will wear Ashworth apparel each day of the three-day 2009 matches, during practice rounds as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
“I’m very excited to have Ashworth design the clothes for the 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team,” said U.S. Captain Daniel. “I know how important it is for the team to look good and be comfortable and Ashworth is going to assist us in making this possible. We’re delighted to be associated with a company like Ashworth.”
Because the items need to be functional, it was important for Ashworth to design a collection with equal parts style and spirit. To that end, the U.S. squad’s color palette will be both patriotic and unique-Cabernet, Shell Pink, Electric Blue, Stratus Blue and Fiery Red, grounded by Prairie and White. By adding the extra layers of pink and deep wine to the traditional color story, Ashworth will offer a wide variety of items to make a standout collection for the U.S. Team.
“It is obviously a privilege to have been selected for the first time to design, create and outfit the official uniforms for the 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team,” said Allan Fletcher, Ashworth’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have a great partnership with the LPGA, and Ashworth is proud to be affiliated with this tremendous event featuring the game’s finest women’s players on a world stage.”
About Ashworth
Carlsbad, Calif.-based Ashworth, Inc., is a leading designer of men’s and women’s golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear distributed domestically and internationally in golf pro shops, resorts, upscale department and specialty stores and to corporate customers. Ashworth’s three market-leading brands include: Ashworth Collection™, a range of upscale on- and off-course sportswear; Ashworth Authentics™, which showcases the Ashworth line’s popular items; and Ashworth Weather Systems®, a technical performance line.
Ashworth is also an Official Apparel Licensee of Callaway Golf Company and Ashworth Europe is an Outerwear Apparel Licensee of Sunice in Europe. Ashworth is also a leading designer, producer and distributor of headwear and apparel under The Game® and Kudzu® brands. The Game is a leading headwear brand to collegiate bookstores and Kudzu products are sold into the NASCAR/racing markets and through outdoors sports distribution channels, including fishing and hunting. Ashworth is also the Kentucky Derby’s exclusive on-site event merchandiser. Ashworth-a long-term partner with the PGA of America-is also one of the key selected licensed brands for both the 2008 PGA Championship and 2008 Ryder Cup.
About The Solheim Cup
The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten Solheim, and his family, the makers of PING golf equipment. The Solheim Cup is the most prestigious international team event in women’s professional golf. It is a biennial, trans-Atlantic team match-play competition featuring the best U.S.-born players from the LPGA and the best European-born players from the LET. The U.S. Team leads the competition, 7-3, and has never lost on home soil. The 2009 Solheim Cup will and be played at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill., Aug. 21-23. In addition to founding sponsor PING, Global Partners of The Solheim Cup include AIB Group and Rolex. For more information, log on to www.SolheimCup.com.
Contact:
Mike Scanlan, LPGA, 386-274-6200, mike.scanlan@lpga.com
Mary Beth Lacy, 760-346-6942, mb@mblacy.com
