Craig Parry Records First U.S. Win With Ben Hogan Apex Tour Ball And Hogan Irons
Chicopee, MA, August 26, 2002

After 235 starts on the PGA Tour, Craig Parry captured his first U.S. title at the World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational. A 19-time winner overseas, Parry tied for the lead heading into the final round with Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, before closing out the tournament with a masterful 6-under 65 and playing the final 48 holes without a bogey.

Playing the new BEN HOGAN APEX TOUR golf ball, Parry shot 72-65-66-65 for a 16 under 268 win at the Sahalee Country Club. His mistake-free day included birdies on three straight holes, starting at No. 2, to give him a three-stroke advantage. He never looked back. Playing in the final group, the 5-6” Aussie, known as “Popeye,” took home a $1 million winner’s check.

Parry’s win was the second official PGA victory for the four-piece BEN HOGAN APEX TOUR GOLF BALL, which was officially launched June 25. Parry joins Len Mattiace who claimed his second PGA victory of the year at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. Like Mattiace, Parry played a key role in the design and testing process of the Ben Hogan Apex Tour golf ball.

In addition to the Ben Hogan ball, Parry played with Ben Hogan Apex irons, 3-E (equalizer) and a Ben Hogan Edge 2 iron. He carried a Ben Hogan bag and wore a Ben Hogan hat and shirt. In addition, he sported ETONIC AC 400 and 500 shoes over the weekend and wore the ETONIC AC Tour glove.

“The Ben Hogan Apex Tour ball is longer than any ball I’ve every played and it’s by far the best ball on the tour and on the market,” stated Parry. “The combination of the Hogan irons and the ball put me in a great position to make easy pars and uphill birdies,” stated Parry.

“What a gutsy and exciting performance by Craig Parry to close with another bogey-free round," stated Mike Ferris, executive director of golf ball for Spalding Sports Worldwide. “Craig’s win adds tremendous staying power to the Ben Hogan brand given it’s the second championship in 10 weeks for the Ben Hogan Apex Tour ball. Not only are we pleased with the superior performance of the golf ball but with the consumer and trade interest thus far.”

Spalding Sports Worldwide is the world’s largest golf ball manufacturer and the nation’s first full-line sporting goods company. Its leadership and innovative products have led to revolutionary breakthroughs in virtually every major sporting goods category. Under the Spalding umbrella are the STRATA, TOP-FLITE, ETONIC, BEN HOGAN, and DUDLEY brands. To find more information call the Consumer Relations Department at 800-SPALDING (772-5346).