Bettinardi Records First PGA Tour Victory of the 2002 Season at The Honda Classic

Amazing Putting Display by the Winner Helps Seal His First Tour Victory at Eagle Trace

Contact Michael G. Crockett
National Sales Manager
Bettinardi Golf
708-802-7400
www.bettinardi.com

TINLEY PARK, Ill. (March 11, 2002) -- It boiled down to momentum, putting momentum to be more specific. It was something that just kept on building for the 23 year old, first time winner. The winning momentum went something like this, first there were 4 birdies in the opening round, then 5 in the second, followed by 7 in the third, and an incredible 8 in the final round. A Tournament that won't soon be forgotten for the display put on by the winner.

"Everyone enjoys having their equipment validated by Tour success" said Bob Bettinardi, President of Bettinardi Golf, "but to have an individual select and play with your equipment because of it's quality and precision feel and the confidence that it instills in that player, rather than the endorsement contract obligations that are most often the case, well that is especially gratifying." "The week as a whole was just great" said Bettinardi, " not only with the victory, but for Bettinardi staff players Luke Donald and Ken Staton as well." Staton finished strong with a bogie free final round 67 for a tie for 11th place, and Donald closed with a solid 69 for an 11 under 277, and a tie for 30th.

The winner led the tournament with 24 birdies and capped his winning effort by taking only 23 putts in the final round. Most impressive were the 8 putts taken over the final 8 holes, where he first took the lead outright, and then secured the victory at the18th. It was very evident how confident the leader was with his Bettinardi putter when he pulled it out after his second shot in to the tight front right pin placement fell short of the green about 3 yards. Some of the NBC commentators questioned his choice until analyst Johnny Miller quickly reminded them all how well it was working for him. Then, when the first putt rolled well by the hole and up against the fringe, they started to look omniscient, until the winner calmly and confidently holed the 8 foot putt. That gave him a nearly insurmountable 2-stroke lead that did indeed seal his first of hopefully many PGA Tour victories.

The winner's caddie had confessed last fall that the one thing that was holding him back was his lackluster putting, but that has all changed since finding his Bettinardi. It appears to have given him such a tremendous boost in confidence, and that has made quite a difference. From the moment he put it in his bag it has stayed there. The effectiveness with which it is performing, with a staggering 23 putts in the final round, clearly seems to validate his decision and confidence. And that is just the validation that Bob Bettinardi was alluding to.

Bettinardi putters have now won 11 Professional Tour events in the last 22 months and the momentum just keeps building.

Bettinardi Golf pioneered the One-Piece Technology(tm) putter milling process that produces the ultimate in specification tolerance and more importantly unsurpassed feel. The pure milling process from a solid block of steel eliminates the imperfections that are inherent in the casting, forging, and welding processes. Bettinardi has further refined the advancement of putter technology through its patented HoneyComb(tm) finished face design. This unique process, while time consuming and costly, involves finishing the putter face with a jewelers cutting tool. The result is the flattest, and therefore most accurate, putter face available today. The unique HoneyComb design is the assurance of unparalleled quality and gives the precision tool an unmistakable look of beauty. Bettinardi has translated these product enhancing design innovations into the next most accuracy-demanding club in the serious golfers arsenal, the wedge. The latest Bettinardi revolution is the One-Piece Technology Xtreme Wedge Series, another industry first. The first Pure Milled set of wedges available today, for unsurpassed feel, performance, and consistency.

For information on any Bettinardi products call 708-802-7400 or visit http://www.bettinardi.com.