Ben Hogan By Bettinardi Putter Line Adds Baby Bent Into 2004 Line-up
Chicopee, MA, January 29, 2004

Looking to build on a stellar rookie season, the BEN HOGAN by Bettinardi putter line for 2004 will feature the BABY BEN putter, PGA Professional Jim Furyk's putter of choice in winning the 2003 U.S. Open. The BABY BEN will join the highly popular BIG BEN, the CC Series, and a new C Series putter in 2004's offerings.

"In 2003, not only did we introduce the finest feeling, best performing, and best looking putters, but we also introduced a putter line that was respected and used by tour players," stated Lou Tursi, executive vice president of sales, marketing, and customer service. "In doing so, BEN HOGAN made it to the winner's circle numerous times in 2003, and we're excited to build on this momentum in 2004."

Ben Hogan Golf and Bettinardi Golf -- two premium golf manufacturers with a reputation for the ultimate in technology and performance, precision, craftsmanship, and quality - recently renewed their agreement for 2004. Bettinardi will continue to market putters in Japan where it has a number two market share. BEN HOGAN by Bettinardi putter heads will be milled in Tinley Park, IL and assembled at Callaway Golf's Carlsbad facility, while sales representatives of The Top-Flite Golf Company, owner of Ben Hogan Golf, will handle all sales and distribution.

Bettinardi, who will manufacture four different putters exclusively for Ben Hogan Golf worldwide with the exception of Japan, will produce a BEN HOGAN by Bettinardi putter lineup that features four series:

• CC SERIES: The crown jewel of the BEN HOGAN by Bettinardi putter line, the CC Series features a carbon steel putter head with a precisely placed 24-karat gold plated copper insert. Besides possessing a prestigious look, the 24-karat gold plating provides an exceptionally soft feel as well as long lasting beauty. The insert is designed to resist tarnishing and discoloration. Available in three popular right hand models, the CC SERIES has a suggested retail price of $400 each.


• New C SERIES PUTTER: The newest addition in 2004, the C 100 percent, solid carbon steel putter head construction for material consistency, delivers unmatched performance feel and beauty. Available in three popular right hand models and two left-hand models, the suggested retail price is $330 each.


• New BABY BEN SERIES: Designed using elements found in the already popular BIG BEN putter, the BABY BEN putter head is milled from a solid block of aluminum, resulting in pure material consistency. Like the BIG BEN, the BABY BEN also features the exclusive Beehive Center Cavity. Its unique hourglass design provides easy alignment and acceleration through the hitting area. Featuring a slightly smaller head size than the Big Ben, along with a heel shafted design, the Baby Ben is available in right and left hand models, with a suggested retail price of $270 each.


• BIG BEN SERIES PUTTER: Winner of several awards for innovation in 2003, the BIG BEN putter head, including the hosel, is milled from a solid block of aluminum, resulting in pure material consistency. The Big Ben features the exclusive Beehive Center Cavity, which allows 38% of the head's total weight to be positioned behind the ball. The result is easy acceleration through the hitting area. Combined with a "T" shaped alignment aid and a face-balanced design, the BIG BEN makes holing more putts all the more likely. Available in standard, belly, and long lengths in both right and left hand, the BIG BEN has a suggested retail price of $270 each for standard; $300 each for belly and long lengths.

100% precision milled from one solid piece of metal, Bettinardi Golf produces putters with the highest standards that cannot be replicated. Bettinardi putters will apply the same precision, craftsmanship, and quality control to the BEN HOGAN putter line. Every putter will pass through at least 14 sets of hands, checking 20 tolerances per putter, per inspection before it receives the seal of approval and is shipped out. If the slightest imperfection or flaw is found, the putter will be immediately destroyed and discarded, a standard Bettinardi implemented from the beginning.

The new putter line will be advertised in core golf publications throughout the 2004 golf season. "It is our intention to gain awareness by actively pursuing tour use, combined with print advertising, aimed at avid core golfers," stated Tursi. "Bettinardi's existing presence on tour combined with our expanded BEN HOGAN distribution should accelerate consumer awareness as well as acceptance."

For 50 years, the BEN HOGAN brand has been inspired by Mr. Hogan's ability to grasp the mechanics of the game and translate them into the finest instruments. The Ben Hogan Company was formed in 1953, with a quest to make golf equipment "as close to perfect as modern tools and technology would allow." Today the team of Ben Hogan craftsmen continues to build Ben Hogan golf equipment one club at a time, ever mindful of Mr. Hogan's vision of perfection for the equipment that bears his signature. Ben Hogan Golf manufactures BEN HOGAN APEX, APEX EDGE PRO, APEX FTX and EDGE CFT* irons, BEN HOGAN special wedges, featuring the new COLONIAL, RIVIERIA and CARNOUSTIE wedges, BEN HOGAN by Bettinardi putters, and the BEN HOGAN APEX TOUR golf ball. To find more information on Ben Hogan Golf call the Consumer Relations Department at 800-772-5346.