World's No. 1-Ranked Amateur Enters Professional Career on Callaway Staff
CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 21, 2009 -- Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) today announced an agreement with reigning U.S. Amateur Champion Danny Lee, officially beginning the professional career of the world’s No. 1-ranked amateur. Lee will endorse all Callaway Golf equipment and golf balls, carry a Callaway Golf branded bag and wear the Company’s logo. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“I am happy to have Callaway Golf’s support as I begin this exciting new phase of my life,” said Lee. “I’ve been playing with Callaway’s equipment and golf balls during this important time in my career because I feel they put me in the best position to win. Now the stakes have been raised and I’m glad Callaway is with me as I meet the challenges ahead.”
Lee, 18, earned significant attention last August when he unseated Tiger Woods and became the youngest player ever to win the U.S. Amateur. His remarkable amateur career gained another shot of momentum in February, when he won the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia. This professional event was sanctioned by the European, Australian and Australasian tours and drew top talent from around the globe, including PGA Tour standouts Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas.
“When a rising star such as Danny is lighting up the amateur ranks and winning professional events while playing with your clubs and golf ball, it’s hard not to get excited,” said Nick Raffaele, Vice President of Sports Marketing, Callaway Golf. “We’re proud to be with Danny as he embarks on his professional career. This young man’s talent and work ethic are as impressive as his character.”
Lee competed in his first PGA Tour event in August, 2008 at the Wyndham Championship and impressively posted four rounds in the 60s en route to a T20 finish. He is expected to make his professional debut on the PGA Tour April 23rd at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Lee was born on July 24, 1990.
About Callaway Golf
Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, Callaway Golf Company (NYSE:ELY) creates products and services designed to make every golfer a better golfer. Callaway Golf Company manufactures and sells golf clubs and golf balls, and sells golf accessories, under the Callaway Golf®, Odyssey®, Top-Flite®, and Ben Hogan® brands in more than 110 countries worldwide. For more information please visit www.callawaygolf.com or shop.callawaygolf.com.
Source: Callaway Golf Company
Callaway Golf
Michèle Szynal, 760-807-4150
Michele.Szynal@CallawayGolf.com
or
Tim Buckman, 760-804-4133
Tim.Buckman@CallawayGolf.com
