Ashworth, Inc. announced that it has signed a long-term contract with the United States Golf Association to serve as lead apparel vendor for the U.S. Open for the 2006 through 2009 seasons.

This partnership represents an unprecedented second term agreement following the initial four-year term, in which Ashworth captured lead apparel vendor status for the U.S. Open in the years 2001 through 2004.

Mary Lopuszynski, Director of Licensing & US Open Merchandising, commented, “Our initial four-year agreement with the Ashworth brand proved to be a very successful partnership as evidenced by our decision to continue the relationship for another four years. The US Open merchandise pavilion provides our attendees with an opportunity to see a broad selection of golf's greatest brands.”

In total, as of the end of 2009, Ashworth will have retained prestigious U.S. Open lead apparel vendor status for nine years running, (Ashworth was also named lead apparel vendor for the 2005 U.S. Open through a one-year contract with the Pinehurst Resort), an honor never bestowed on any apparel company in the history of the U.S. Open.

Kate Cunningham, Ashworth's Senior Director of Global Tournaments, commented, “It has been an incredible experience and partnership with the USGA over these last five years. We have worked closely together to take event merchandising to the next level. Working with the USGA has been a privilege and has provided me with invaluable and unforgettable insights. I am looking forward to the next four years.”

Under its agreement with the USGA, for each event, Ashworth will provide merchandise tent fixtures for the merchandise pavilion spanning 36,000-plus square feet, and official volunteer uniforms for over 5,000 volunteers. Ashworth will also showcase a complete range of its products in premier locations inside the merchandise tent. The merchandise pavilion will feature professionally designed interiors and amenities such as air conditioning, carpeting, video displays, music and luxurious wood fixtures to rival upscale department store settings.

The close of 2005 marks a banner year for the brand. Highlights for Ashworth in 2005 include:

  • Ashworth posted a complete sweep as lead vendor for the merchandise tent fixture programs — and as lead merchandise vendor — for the U.S. Open, The U.S. Women's Open, the U.S. Senior Open and the Walker Cup, all of which are USGA-sanctioned championships
  • For the 2005 U.S. Open at the Pinehurst Resort, Ashworth and the Pinehurst Resort team fielded the largest merchandise pavilion in the 105-year history of the U.S. Open, at 38,000 square feet
  • With Ashworth serving as lead apparel vendor for the 2005 U.S. Women's Open held at Cherry Hills Country Club, merchandise tent sales for this prestigious event reached an all-time high

Randall L. Herrel, Chairman and CEO of Ashworth, Inc., commented, “In recent years, Ashworth's tournament division has gained great momentum, with the result that Ashworth has become the vendor of choice for many major tournaments. The newest agreement with the USGA represents a great honor and a significant opportunity for Ashworth, Inc. It testifies to our heritage as a company authentically rooted in the game of golf. We plan to continue setting the very highest standards in providing vendor services for the next four men's U.S. Open championships.”