Ashworth Inc. partners with Golf Channel as the golf-apparel ...

Tag : Quick-Drying Fabric
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA - September 5, 2008 - Ashworth, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASHW), a leading designer of golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear,today announced it has partnered with GOLF CHANNEL as thegolf-apparel supplier for GOLF CHANNEL's new season of "Big BreakX: Michigan," which debuts October 7.

The show's eight two-person teams have been supplied Ashworthproduct from the company's current Men's and Women's Fall 2008line. The male contestants were provided assorted product from allfour Fall 2008 categories-Third Groove Performance fabrics, Hi-Def100% Luxury Cotton, environmentally friendly Ashworth Organics andyoung-minded ASHW33.

Female contestants were offered all three of the Fall 2008 Women'scollections-California, New York and Hawaii. Each has its very ownidentity, achieved through color scheme, styling, fabrics andtrims.

The team format of "Big Break X: Michigan" is a series first, withthe eight two-person teams-each comprised of a male andfemale-testing each competitor's games as much as theirrelationships in the Big Break series' 10th season. The teams willface some of the most grueling competition in series history inwhich they could win a lifelong dream at the risk of losing alifelong friendship.

"We are really excited about playing a role in the 10th season ofthe Big Break series on GOLF CHANNEL," says Chris Demirjian,Ashworth Inc.'s Director of Sports Marketing. "We know thecompetitors will love the styles and variety of the apparel we havesupplied them. It's a great opportunity for the competitors to seehow our Fall 2008 line looks and feels, as well as a wonderfulopportunity for golfers worldwide to see our new line in action."

Both the men's and women's Fall 2008 collections are versatile,and, among their many other attributes, place importance on fabricsand attention to detail.

Here Is What The Contestants Can Choose From:

Ashworth is replacing 100% polyester with its Third GroovePerformance category of Men's golf shirts, which are made ofinnovative blends of pima cotton and polyester that are theultimate in performance, comfort and style. The performanceattributes include moisture wicking, breathability, lightweight, nosnagging and no odor issues.

Ashworth is continuing, yet improving upon, its state-of-the-artHi-Def Luxury 100% cotton fabric shirt category, which is gearedfor a more classic, refined look. This special process gives thefabric a lustrous feel of luxury, but is easy care and won'twrinkle or shrink.

Ashworth Organics is a brand-new, great-looking line made ofsustainable, recyclable or 100 percent organic cottons. AshworthOrganics' colors can cross merchandise with the other pieces in theline. Ashworth Organics incorporates very comfortable fabrics andclassic styles that take a step toward environmentally friendlyproducts.

Another new line called ASHW33 is designed for a slightly younger,hipper mindset. This avante garde look is designed with performancefabrics and unique graphic elements, stitching details and subtletreatments. This shirt group boasts a "mod fit," which is anupdated slimmer fit.

Some of the trends Ashworth incorporated into its Fall 2008 women'slines include monochromatic prints, oversized buttons, lightweightsweaters and outerwear. Because golf is truly a lifestyle, Ashworthdesigned some items that can be worn from the golf course straightinto the golfer's daily off-course activities.

The first collection, California, has a very specific SouthernCalifornia feel. It is made up of warm tones of yellow and crispwhite with some soft-khaki accents. The second collection, NewYork, has a very preppy, East Coast feel. Silhouettes are verytraditional, yet sophisticated. The collection contains veryclassic colors-black, white, khaki and a very rich red tone-andoffers lots of variety in layering pieces. Hawaii, the thirdcollection, has a water theme and consists of deep blues andvibrant crisp aqua greens.
This collection offers a performance edge with a selection of knitsthat are moisture wicking, quick drying and breathable.

About The Big Break:

For its 10th anniversary, "Big Break X: Michigan" returns to thedestination where it all began-northern Michigan. The show will beshot at Boyne Highlands Resort, located in Harbor Springs.

The Big Break concept showcases highly skilled golfers competingagainst each other in a variety of challenges that test theirphysical skills and mental toughness, with the ultimate winnerawarded his/her "Big Break," a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity tocompete in select professional tournaments, and othercareer-building prizes.

"Big Break X: Michigan" will feature new skills Challenges to testevery phase of each competitor's golf game. Teams will be comprisedof individuals boasting amateur and professional tour accolades,and whose connections range from married or dating to friends orex-significant others. The winning team will earn an exemption forthe male to compete in the 2009 Children's Miracle Network Classicat the Walt Disney World Resort while the female will play in the2009 Bell Micro LPGA Classic in Mobile, Ala.

Past Big Break champions have competed on some of the world's topprofessional circuits, such as the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour,European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour. Formerwinner Tommy Gainey is in the midst of his rookie season on the PGATOUR while previous female Big Breakers currently play on the LPGATour.

"Once the Big Break golfers wear our Fall 2008 apparel during thecompetition, they'll see how our product speaks for itself,"Demirjian says. "We're hoping our relationship with GOLF CHANNELand the Big Break series is one that is long lasting andrewarding."

Carlsbad, Calif.-based Ashworth, Inc., is a leading designer ofmen's and women's golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear distributeddomestically and internationally in golf pro shops, resorts,upscale department and specialty stores and to corporate customers.

Ashworth is also an Official Apparel Licensee of Callaway GolfCompany and Ashworth owns the Outerwear Apparel brand Sunice inEurope, UK and the U.S.A. Ashworth is also a leading designer,producer and distributor of headwear and apparel under TheGame® and Kudzu® brands. The Game is a leading headwearbrand to collegiate bookstores and Kudzu products are sold into theNASCAR/racing markets and through outdoors sports distributionchannels, including fishing and hunting. Ashworth is also theKentucky Derby's exclusive on-site event merchandiser.