Golf News – December 13, 2016

Carnoustie Sportswear Spring 2017 Outerwear Collection

IRVINE, CA – Golf apparel manufacturer Carnoustie Sportswear has introduced its Spring 2017 men’s outerwear collection.

“Based on the reaction to our Spring 17 collection thus far, it is very clear that our customers feel that our outerwear offering for Spring is well styled, versatile and very functional. The growth we have experienced in this part of the collection has been notable. Whether it’s cotton interlock, performance french terry or waterproof woven materials, Carnoustie combines the finest fabrications with outstanding styling to create a collection of outerwear that is perfect for Spring, irrespective of where in the country you may be,” says CEO Marshall Mancillas.

Performance Outerwear – Carnoustie uses only the finest micro-poly and employs great workmanship that customers notice. A chest stripe vest and shoulder stripe ¼-zip pullover are each new for Spring ’17. Both merchandise wonderfully within the collection and serve as perfect coordinating pieces to complement the knits. They are current in styling yet showcase the sophistication that Carnoustie customers have come to expect from the brand.

Waterproof Styles – Carnoustie’s waterproof styles are lightweight and colorful,
and merchandise within the collection to create a very handsome ensemble when paired with our knits or bottoms or layered over other outerwear pieces. They are fully functional and provide great protection from the elements. For Spring ’17, Carnoustie offers for the first time a vest that’s perfect for those chilly mornings golfers sometimes encounter.

Cotton Interlock – Constructed in luxurious 100 % cotton, the Vardon collection of cotton interlock outerwear remains a favorite with the Carnoustie customer. These styles offer a year round weight, smart flat knit detailing at the collar and zipper and are available in handsome mélange colors that only cotton can achieve. Whether in a vest, a ¼ zip long-sleeve or a sporty chest stripe, this collection offers the perfect sweater alternative for one’s Spring wardrobe,”says CEO Marshall Mancillas.

For product details, visit carnoustiesportswear.com.

New Project X LZ Tour Graphite Iron Shaft Now Available

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (December 9, 2016) —The Project X LZ Tour graphite shaft for irons is now available through True Temper Performance Fitting Centers.

Project X LZ Tour graphite iron shafts deliver the same performance of the steel counterpart—mid launch, low spin—at a slightly lighter weight. The new shaft features proprietary

Loading Zone Technology to keep the grip and tip sections stiff while significantly reducing the stiffness in the mid-section of the shaft. LZ Technology increases energy transfer to the ball for more speed and distance.

“There was demand for an LZ graphite iron based off of the success of our Project X LZ wood shafts and the new Project X LZ steel shaft,” Bill Lange, senior director of product management at Project X said. “Our R&D team took the patented Loading Zone Technology they developed and used that unique profile to create a shaft that compliments the existing LZ woods and irons. During testing, players loved that they could enjoy the feel of graphite without sacrificing distance or dispersion control.”

John K. Solheim named President of PING

PHOENIX (Dec. 12, 2016) – John Karsten Solheim, the oldest son of John A. Solheim and the

grandson of PING Founder Karsten Solheim, was named president of PING today, effective

January 1, 2017. He succeeds Doug Hawken as president, who is retiring after a distinguished

45-year career with the company that saw him rise from assistant to the production manager to

president and chief operating officer, a position he’s held since 1999.

“It fills me with great pride to name my oldest son, John K., to the role of president of our family-

owned company,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman and CEO, who officially announced

the promotion at a gathering of the company’s employees. “He’s been preparing for this role for

the last several years and he’s ready to take the next step. Together with the other third-

generation family members and our strong teams throughout the organization, I’m confident

John K. will continue to advance our primary goal of engineering innovative, performance-based

products of the highest quality while providing unmatched levels of service.”

John K., as he is known within the company, served as an executive vice president for the last

two years after a four-year assignment as president of PING Golf Japan, where he led a

successful effort to re-position the PING brand throughout Japan and Asia. Prior to his time in

Japan, he oversaw PING’s new product development efforts as vice president of engineering.

As a high-school student he worked summers in the engineering department, including one

shadowing his grandfather, an experience that gave him an education unlike any other as he

observed and absorbed Karsten’s passion for the brand he created in his garage in 1959. John

K. graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University (ASU) in 1996 with a degree in

mechanical engineering. In 2001, he earned an Executive MBA degree from ASU.

“I am grateful for this opportunity,” said John K., 42, who is married and the father of four. “I

have aspired to this for most of my career. Such responsibility is something I don’t believe you

can ever be completely ready for, but I am certainly prepared. We all know a lot has changed

since my grandfather entered the golf industry more than five decades ago. But what hasn’t

changed is the foundation Karsten built here at PING. We are committed to making the best golf

products in the world to help golfers play better and enjoy the game more. I look forward to

working even more closely with my dad and the rest of the third-generation family members as

we focus on continuing to grow PING’s reputation as an industry leader. We’ve built tremendous

teams across all disciplines within the company, which has put us in a position of strength in a

challenging industry.”

In his new role, John K. will oversee the day-to- day activities of the company, including all

functions related to product development, supply chain management, production and

sales/marketing. In addition to his father, his brothers Andy (Executive Vice President) and

David (Vice President) and his cousin Stacey (Solheim) Pauwels (Executive Vice President)

comprise the Solheim family executive leadership team.

The company also announced that current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mike Trueblood has

been promoted to Executive Vice President Operations/CFO. He will assume additional

responsibilities related to the company’s day-to- day operations.