(BW)(CA-CALLAWAY-GOLF)(ELY) Callaway Golf Staff Pro Annika Sorenstam Wins ShopRite; Uses Prototype Fusion Driver, HX Tour Golf Ball, X-18 Irons for Fifth LPGA Win in Last Seven Starts, 61st Career Victory
Business Editors/Sports Editors/Golf Writers
CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2005--Callaway Golf (NYSE:ELY) Staff Professional Annika Sorenstam continued her astonishing run through the LPGA Tour yesterday, winning the ShopRite LPGA Classic for the third time, and equaling her own tournament record of 17-under-par 196 in her 4-stroke stroke win. She capped her flawless round with a 38-foot putt for eagle and a score of 64 – her eleventh consecutive round in the 60s -- and her fifth win in seven LPGA starts this year. Sorenstam's win is her 61st on the LPGA Tour, her seventh in her last nine appearances dating back to last season, and is evidence that she is in top form heading into this week's McDonald's LPGA Championship, the second major on the LPGA schedule. With the first major of the LPGA season, the Kraft Nabisco Championship, already under her belt, Sorenstam takes aim at what she hopes will be the second step in her stated goal of winning all four LPGA majors for an unprecedented Grand Slam of women's golf. As she has throughout the 12 years of her Hall of Fame career, Sorenstam used and endorsed Callaway Golf(R) equipment, which this week included a prototype 460cc Fusion(R) Driver, Big Bertha(R) strong 4- and 7-woods, Callaway Golf X-18(R) Irons, the HX(R) Tour Golf Ball, an Odyssey(R) White Hot(R) 2-Ball Blade Putter and Callaway Golf Footwear. "I don't know if you can really put it into perspective," Sorenstam said of her recent performances.
"I would say I'm overwhelmed. When you look at all the stats, it's just something I'm very proud of. I have a lot of confidence right now in every part of my game -- ball striking, putting, course management, my equipment -- everything is good." Sorenstam began the round tied with fellow Hall-of-Famer Juli Inkster at 10-under-par and took the lead for good at 12 under par with a birdie at the ninth. This marks the sixth straight time Sorenstam has won after leading or sharing the lead heading into the final round. She now leads the 2005 LPGA Tour in 10 categories, including earnings ($1.23 million), scoring average (68.5), driving distance (271.8 yards), greens in regulation (76%) and wins (5). Through an unwavering commitment to product 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(R), Top-Flite(R), Odyssey(R) and Ben Hogan(R) brands.
For more information visit www.callawaygolf.com
CONTACT: Callaway Golf Company
Larry Dorman or Mike Galeski, 760-931-1771
SOURCE: Callaway Golf Company