STRATA TOUR ACE And TOUR ULTIMATE+ Lead 2003 Lineup

STRATA Targets Cool Contemporary, Non-Conforming Golfers with Independent Attitude and Serious Mindset

CHICOPEE, Mass. (November 21, 2002) - Every successful sports franchise relies on a superstar or an ace in their lineup, and every seasoned card player has an ace up their sleeve. Spalding Sports Worldwide has both in its 2003 line-up for STRATA, adding a new Ace to its brand as in STRATA TOUR ACE. The STRATA Tour Ace, a four-piece design for staggering length with a proprietary urethane cover for "one hop and stop" spin around the green and control.

Additionally, the STRATA TOUR ACE is setting itself apart by stamping the ball with the recognizable symbols found in playing card suits -- diamonds*, hearts*, spades*, and clubs* -- rather than the conventional numerical stamping used on golf balls. The TOUR ACE will be available in early December and priced around $36.95 per dozen.

"The STRATA Tour Ace is the finest STRATA golf ball ever made," said Tim Seitter, vice president of Established Brands, Spalding Sports Worldwide. "STRATA is geared toward cool contemporary, non-conforming golfers with an independent attitude and serious mindset. We're taking an edgier approach to the marketplace and setting ourselves apart by combining our technological advances in golf ball with some artistry and fun."

According to Seitter, the Ace is the next generation of the STRATA G prototype used by Tour professional Jim Furyk in his 2002 PGA win at The Memorial Tournament. Furyk will play the Tour Ace in 2003, the anchor to STRATA's entire product line.

Also new is the STRATA TOUR ULTIMATE +. Combining the best of the STRATA(R) TOUR ULTIMATE(R) and the STRATA(R) TOUR ULTIMATE(R) 2, the TOUR ULTIMATE + is seven yards longer and provides more control than the previous models, providing higher launch angles for more distance and a Tungsten Energy Core(tm) that makes it easy to initiate spin. Stamped with the plus sign (+), the STRATA TOUR ULTIMATE + will be available in early December for around $29.95 per dozen.

The STRATA lineup is anchored by the recently launched and already popular STRATA(R) TOUR STRAIGHT(tm), recognized by its the distinct green arrow *. The TOUR STRAIGHT, the first-of-its kind, multi-layered golf ball coated with a Slickote(R) surface, is designed to reduce the side-spin that average golfers create at impact. Since sidespin is what causes a slice or hook, the STRATA TOUR STRAIGHT can help deliver straighter, more accurate shots. Priced in the $26.95 range, its high coverage dimple design improves the ball's aerodynamic efficiency, which translates into more distance, while a low, ultra-soft compression core provides a softer feel around the greens. The compression core of the STRATA TOUR STRAIGHT is 37, compared to the 46 of Maxfli Noodle, and 48 of the Titlelist NXT Distance and Nike Double C Distance.

Rounding out the foursome is the STRATA(R) TOUR PROFESSIONAL(tm), a golf ball with a three-piece multi-layer design with an ionomer mantle layer and ultra soft high energy core that is shear resistant and combines low spin to increase distance and pinpoint accuracy. The TOUR PROFESSIONAL is priced around $29.95 per dozen.

Reducing its ball lineup to four models, STRATA will discontinue the Pro Control, Pro Distance and Ultimate 2 lines. The 2003 line will also feature a complete, fresh look and new colorful packaging with sleeves that offer a visual design of the ball stamp.

Channels will segregate the STRATA models with the TOUR ACE being sold predominantly in on-and off-course markets, the TOUR STRAIGHT available in all channels, while the ULTIMATE + and TOUR PROFESSIONAL will appear predominantly in off-course, sporting goods and mass merchant outlets.

In 1996, STRATA was the first multi-layer golf ball played on tour. Now, 95% of PGA Tour players use a multi-layer golf ball and more than 400 players on tour worldwide have switched to STRATA. Spalding will continue to support the entire STRATA product line with increased tour support, impactful in-store displays, and a multi-million dollar marketing campaign for 2003.

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 product category. Under the Spalding umbrella are the STRATA(R), TOP-FLITE(R), ETONIC(R), BEN HOGAN(R) and DUDLEY(R) brands. To find more information on Strata, visit our website at http://www.stratagolf.com or call the Consumer Relations Department at 800-SPALDING (772-5346).