CARLSBAD, Calif., Mar 13, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Callaway Golf (NYSE:ELY) Staff Professional Annika Sorenstam began her 2006 LPGA season exactly the way she ended 2005 -- with a successful title defense. Posting a total of 8 under par with rounds of 67-71-70 -- 208, Sorenstam, 35, beat fellow Swede Helen Alfredsson and Seon Hwa Lee by one stroke to win the MasterCard Classic at Bosque Real Country Club in Huixquilucan, Mexico.

The win was her 11th in her last 21 starts, her second consecutive season-opening victory and her 67th career title. She moved one step closer to Mickey Wright (82) and Kathy Whitworth (88) on the all-time victory list and could -- if she were to maintain her present pace -- overtake Wright in 2007 and Whitworth early in 2008.

"To come here with high expectations to defend a title is always tough, but I thought I played really well and I'm very happy about that," Sorenstam said. "I really pulled out some clutch shots when I needed to. That's why I love doing this. Coming down the stretch and hitting those shots, there is nothing better."

Sorenstam again used Callaway Golf® clubs to hit those shots, including the Big Bertha® Fusion® FT-3(TM) Driver, X-18® Irons, X Tour 3-wood, Big Bertha 7-wood, Callaway Golf Forged+ Wedges (48 and 54 degrees). She put the new HX® Tour Golf Ball in play, used an Odyssey® White Hot® 2-Ball Blade Putter and wore Callaway Golf Footwear with the patented Big Bertha Spike.

The world's top-ranked woman golfer was tied for the lead after nine holes Sunday before reeling off three birdies in four holes to put away her fourth season-opening victory in the past five years.

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SOURCE: Callaway Golf Company

Callaway Golf Company
Larry Dorman, 760-931-1771