Softspikes, Inc. Becomes "Official Cleat" Of The Optimist International Junior Golf Championships

Contact Kelly Elbin
Vice President of Communications
Softspikes, Inc.
(800) 638-0075, x26

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (March 28, 2002) -- Softspikes, Inc., the pioneer of and worldwide leader in plastic golf cleats, has agreed to become the "Official Cleat" of the 2002 Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.

Softspikes will provide product and personnel services for participants in the 16-18 age division at the Championships, scheduled for July at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

The Optimist International Junior Golf Championships is one of the largest and most prestigious events for junior golfers from ages 10 to 18. Each year, more than 5,000 youngsters compete in qualifiers for the national championships, with more than 650 players representing 15 countries expected to be on hand at PGA National.

Those who have competed in Optimist-sponsored tournaments in the past include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Ernie Els and Nancy Lopez.

"Softspikes continually looks for ways to expand our commitment to junior golf, and this relationship with the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships is one that excites us," says Rick Oleksyk, president of Softspikes, Inc. "Our cleats are viewed the world over as the best performing, and the finest juniors worldwide deserve the best."

Black Widow cleats by Softspikes are the cleats of choice among junior golfers, and Tour players, as well. Each week, more than 80 percent of Tour players wearing plastic cleats choose to wear Black Widow cleats with Dynamic Cleat Technology (DCT).

Five official PGA Tour events this year, including The Players Championship on Sunday, have been won by players wearing Black Widow cleats.

Black Widow is the the top-selling cleat in the game and is original equipment on FootJoy performance golf shoes.

In its advertising and various marketing materials, Softspikes is encouraging golfers to maximize their performance by checking their cleats more often. Softspikes recommends that golfers consider changing their cleats after every 10 rounds.