Major brands re-sign stars

Major equipmentbrands across the golf world have been busy re-signing their stars for the upcoming season. PING have been the busiest, making sure Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and Bubba Watson sign multi-year agreements to continue using their equipment.

 

For golfers preferring the performance of a steel face with an insert feel, the Ping Karsten B60 putter meets the criteria. An elastomer insert in the cavity provides enhanced feel while maintaining the solid response of a steel-faced putter. Weight savings from the new cavity shapes were redistributed to the perimeter to increase each putter's MOI (moment of inertia) for added forgiveness. Multi-level alignment aids are designed into most models.

 

"Louis' achievement at St Andrews made everyone at PING very proud," said chairman John Solheim. "He's been with PING his entire pro career and we've watched him become a truly world-class player. We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with him."

 

Watson had his most successful season in 2010, taking the Travelers Championship before forcing a playoff to Martin Kaymer at the USPGA. "Everything came together this year," said Watson, currently 27th in the world rankings. "I won my first Tour event, was close to winning a Major, and played in the Ryder Cup, so it feels great.

 

"The people over at PING deserve a lot of credit. I've always played PING clubs because they feel right and I know they'll perform, so I can play any shot I want Ping G15 Irons. Their technology is amazing." Meanwhile, Wilson Golf, the brand which boasts more Major victories than any other club manufacturer, has re-signed rising PGA Tour star Ricky Barnes.

 

The American, who experienced a dramatic improvement in his game since switching to FG Tour irons at the beginning of last year, enjoying six top-ten finishes on Tour, has signed a three year contract.

 

"I'm excited about my partnership with Wilson, a company that has such a rich golf championship history and heritage," said Barnes. "I've played PING Rapture V2 Driver since switching to Wilson Staff FG Tour irons - and my confidence has translated into success on the course.

 

"With a great team working with me, I'm looking forward to achieving greater success in the years ahead on the PGA Tour."Barnes will continue to use Wilson Staff FG Tour irons and wedges. He will also carry the Wilson Staff Pro Tour bag and wear the iconic FG Tour engineer cap, with which he has become synonymous.

 

As part of the agreement, Oosthuizen will wear a PING hat, carry a PING staff bag and play a minimum of 11 PING clubs, including a PING driver and PING putter.