Local Golf Courses Part Of Massive Ball Giveaway Designed To Challenge Conventional Wisdom

Golfers Given Unique Chance To Prove Latest Technology To Themselves With New TOP-FLITE XL 3000

Contact Jeff Kearney
Alan Taylor Communications
800-229-4758 ext. 294

CHICOPEE, Mass. (April 2, 2002) -- In what is believed to be the largest effort of its kind in the history of the golf industry, on Saturday, April 20, Spalding will help kick off a new golf season by continuing to distribute more than 2.5 million free TOP-FLITE XL 3000 golf balls through a nationwide sampling program at more than 5,000 courses.

"Distance combined with feel have been and always will be the primary performance benefits golfers look for," said Mike Ferris, Spalding executive director of golf balls. "Most players believe you have to pay dearly for such benefits, but the TOP-FLITE XL 3000 series challenges the conventional wisdom that says you have to pay a premium price for premium performance. We're giving golfers the chance to prove that to themselves -- for free. We're confident they'll like what they see and feel."

Golfers at participating area courses will receive a special two-pack of balls prior to teeing off. For many it will be their first chance to play the TOP-FLITE XL 3000 Super Long, Super Feel and Super Spin lines, as well as the Super Straight -- the first golf ball with Teflon(R) in the outer cover.

Spalding's development team incorporated the substance best known for its use in non-stick frying pans into the Super Straight. Capitalizing on the non-stick properties of Teflon(R), the Super Straight's cover is designed to reduce side spin at impact, minimizing one of golf's biggest headaches -- the dreaded slice.

For more information on event sites and the TOP-FLITE XL 3000 series, please visit www.topflite.com.