Long John Gripping And Ripping The Loco In 2004

Dunlop has signed John Daly to play its LoCo clubs and balls

GREENVILLE, S.C. (January 13, 2004) - For the first time Dunlop's ultra successful line of LoCo golf clubs and balls will have a presence on the PGA Tour. Today, Dunlop announced that it has signed John Daly to a 3-year contract to wear the brand's logo and play its clubs and balls in professional competition throughout 2004 and beyond.

Daly, an 11-time winner of the PGA Tour's driving distance title, will play the new Dunlop LoCo Pro driver and the LoCo Pro golf ball. The LoCo Pro is the all titanium upgrade to one of last year's hottest consumer drivers, the original LoCo driver. The Beta-Ti construction combined with Long John's patented "Grippit-and-Rippit" style is sure to produce "crazy long" blasts off the tee and will help Daly get back to the top of the driving distance category again in 2004.

"We are very excited about signing John, he fits perfectly with the attitude of our LoCo line of clubs," said Dan Murphy, Director of Marketing, Focus Golf Systems, Inc. "John is the most colorful and fun personality in golf and we like to think of ourselves as the most colorful and fun equipment manufacturer. It should be a perfect marriage."

The golf ball that Daly will play on Tour, the LoCo Pro, is a prototype ball that was specifically constructed to fit his swing. The LoCo Pro is a close relative of Dunlop's new Custom Series balls. The multi-layer urethane LoCo Pro is designed with properties that will reduce driver spin, increase distance and provide great feel for players with higher swing speeds.

"I am excited to see what John can do with the LoCo Pro ball," said Shane Duffy, Vice President of Marketing, Dunlop Sports Group Americas. "With his recent strong play in the unofficial event season, winning three of his last four events, there is no telling what John can accomplish with a ball designed specifically for him. The potential is boundless."

Recently, Daly has won three of the last four tournaments he has entered; The Korean Open, The Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational and medalist honors in the Wendy's 3 Tour Challenge. As he readies his game for 2004 and looks to get back to the championship form that secured him the Wannamaker Trophy in 1991 and the Claret Jug in 1995, Daly believes Dunlop can provide him with the tools necessary to make a return to glory.

"It's no secret that I am known for my long game," said Daly. "That's why Dunlop equipment, which has the distance enhancing Loco Line, is the perfect choice for me. I am also happy to report that Dunlop's products are available at a price that is affordable for all golfers. Look for me on Tour this year proudly representing Dunlop."

"John Daly has become a global brand," said Bud Martin, Executive Vice President SFX Sports Group. "Tying John Daly's "Lion Brand Enterprises" with a sports industry leader, that features products showcasing John's talent and personality, like Dunlop has long been on our radar. We believe this will be a long and successful relationship.

In addition to the Dunlop LoCo Pro driver and golf balls, Daly will also play the new Dunlop Redneck putter, Dunlop irons and wedges and will carry a Dunlop staff bag in all 2004 professional competitions.

Among the world's largest sports equipment manufacturers for over 90 years, Dunlop is the world's #1 tennis ball and an international leader in golf and tennis equipment. Dunlop continues to develop innovative products for golf and racquet sports enthusiasts. Dunlop is represented by a number of internationally famed athletes, including professional golfer John Daly and tennis stars John McEnroe, James Blake and Mardy Fish. The company's U.S. headquarters, as well as its world-class golf ball research and manufacturing facility, are located in South Carolina. For more information on Dunlop Sports Group Americas visit www.dunlopsports.com.


Media Contact:
Jared Kelowitz
Jeff Dezen Public Relations (JDPR)
864-233-3776 x24
jaredk@jdpr.com