Callaway Golf Unveils New X-Tour Wedges; Inspired by Phil Mickelson, Crafted by Roger Cleveland

March 30, 2006 at 4:16 PM EST

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2006--Callaway Golf Company (NYSE:ELY) today announced the launch of the Callaway Golf® X-Tour(TM) Wedges, short-game scoring tools inspired by two-time Major winner Phil Mickelson and designed by legendary golf club craftsman Roger Cleveland. The new X-Tour Wedges offer Tour-proven precision for the more accomplished golfer and are the best-looking, best-performing wedges produced by Callaway Golf.

Forged from soft 1020 carbon steel for true feel and touch around the greens, the X-Tour Wedges come in numerous loft/bounce combinations to fit most players' preferences. Two versions of the X-Tour Wedge -- the 58- and 60-degree models -- feature the special PM Grind, the result of specific feedback from wedge wizard Phil Mickelson. They also have the unique "Mack Daddy" Grooves, an aggressively sized but conforming groove that maximizes spin, trajectory and distance control.

Mickelson used an early iteration of a wedge that would become the 60-degree X-Tour Wedge to hit the clinching chip from the deep rough at the 72nd hole of the PGA Championship at Baltusrol last summer. A tap-in putt for birdie gave him his second Major championship. Now he has even more control on short shots.

"When Roger first handed me the new X-Tour Wedge, I couldn't wait to test the spin," Mickelson said. "I knew the grooves were big; in fact, I called them my `Mack Daddy' grooves for their size. They delivered what I wanted -- max spin that equates to maximum control."

"We are very proud of our technology leadership in the industry," said George Fellows, President and CEO of Callaway Golf. "Our new X-Tour Wedges are an example of how technology combines with human elements -- like the unique touch and great eye of a craftsman like Roger Cleveland and the input of a special golfer like Phil Mickelson -- to create a great product. It's what makes these wedges special and why we think they will become short-game classics."

In another design element inspired by the world's best players, the X-Tour Wedge head shape is designed to instill confidence on full shots and delicate chips and pitches. Golfers have a choice of finishes: Satin Chrome, which retains a brilliant luster, or Vintage, which keeps the dark patina preferred by many tour pros.

"Wedges are all about two things: feel and control," said Cleveland, Chief Designer for Callaway Golf. "I've worked closely with the best professional golfers in the world for decades, listening to their needs and delivering to them products that perform -- like our new X-Tour Wedges."

The new X-Tour Wedges will be available in eight different loft/bounce configurations: 50-degrees of loft with 11 degrees of bounce; 52 degrees and 11 degrees; 54 degrees and 13 degrees; 56 degrees and 13 degrees; 58 degrees and nine degrees; 58 degrees and 11 degrees (with the PM Grind and Mack Daddy Grooves); 60 degrees and nine degrees; and 60 degrees and 11 degrees (with the PM Grind and Mack Daddy Grooves). The 52-11, 56-13 and 60-11 PM models will also be available in left-handed versions.

The X-Tour Wedges will be available at retail on April 15 and carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $135 for the Satin Chrome finish and $150 for the Vintage finish.

Through an unwavering commitment to innovation, Callaway Golf 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®, Top-Flite®, Odyssey® and Ben Hogan® brands. For more information visit www.callawaygolf.com.

CONTACT: Callaway Golf Company
Larry Dorman, 760-931-1771

SOURCE: Callaway Golf Company