Pinnacle Announces Launch Of New Exception Golf Ball

"Distance Doesn't Have to be Hard" with New Pinnacle Flagship Product

FAIRHAVEN, MA (August 27, 2003) - Pinnacle, one of the leading golf ball brands in the market, introduces the New Pinnacle Exception. "Distance doesn't have to be hard" and as the softest feeling Pinnacle golf ball ever offered, the New Pinnacle Exception certainly proves that. The new Pinnacle Exception delivers exceptionally soft feel along with the exceptionally long distance that golfers have come to expect from Pinnacle.

New Pinnacle Exception
The New Pinnacle Exception features a large (1.550"), soft compression (low 50's), high velocity core formulation which contributes to a soft finished compression (low 70's) and a higher initial velocity. Its low 70's finished ball compression is nearly 30 compression points lower than most competitive two-piece distance golf balls. It also features a soft, durable and responsive Sodium/Zinc cover blend with a 392 icosahedral dimple design. While this combination provides a low spin rate to minimize hook and slice sidespin for long, straight distance, the Pinnacle Exception still offers higher short game spin and control than most other two-piece distance balls.

"The New Pinnacle Exception provides value-conscious golfers with a better performance choice, " said George Sine, Vice President, Golf Ball Marketing, Acushnet Company. "A golf ball doesn't have to be hard to provide extraordinarily long distance. We are confident that golfers who play such competitive golf ball models as Precept MC Lady, Maxfli Noodle Long & Soft or Nike Power Distance Super Series will discover that Pinnacle is the Exception to the rule."

New Pinnacle Exception begins shipping on September 15 with a suggested retail price of $24 per dozen. The launch will be supported by advertising as well as special packaging configurations, including a 4-ball counter display and 6-ball sidekick pack. A limited-time 2-ball pack has been designed to encourage trial, with a portion of the proceeds of the display being donated in support of junior golf.

Pinnacle is the third best-selling golf ball brand in the market with an 11.7 On/Off Course unit share according to Golf Datatech's June survey. To strengthen this position, the New Pinnacle Exception will be complemented by three new Pinnacle Gold golf balls:

New & Improved Pinnacle Gold Distance
For years, the Gold standard for distance, soft feel and cut-proof durability has been the Pinnacle Gold. Now it has been improved with a finished ball compression in the low 80's to deliver softer feel and higher short iron spin while still providing its renowned distance, durability and value.

New Pinnacle Gold Maximum Velocity: The Official Golf Ball of the Pinnacle Distance Team and RE/MAX World Long Drive Championships, the new Pinnacle Gold Maximum Velocity is designed for players seeking the longest conforming golf ball available. Its design and technology will provide the greatest benefit to the highest ball speed players.

New & Improved Pinnacle Gold Lady: A soft, lightweight and durable product for lower swing speed, value-conscious women golfers, the Pinnacle Gold Lady has also been improved with a softer ball compression. Pinnacle will continue its long-standing support of breast cancer awareness and the Susan G. Komen Foundation by affixing the pink ribbon logo on each golf ball.

"With the Pinnacle Gold product line, we have offered value-conscious golfers with an array of choices to meet their performance needs," said Sine. "Whether they choose New Pinnacle Gold, Pinnacle Gold Maximum Velocity or Pinnacle Gold Lady, every golfer can 'Hit it Long and Hit It Straight' with Pinnacle. "

The Pinnacle Gold family of golf balls will also commence shipping on September 15 with a suggested retail price of $18.00 per 15-ball pack.

Consumers wishing to obtain additional information about the new Pinnacle product line or the latest in Pinnacle golf ball technology may visit the Pinnacle web site at www.pinnaclegolf.com, call Consumer Relations toll-free at 1.888.848.5347, or contact Joe Gomes, Director of Communications at 508.979.3211.

Media Contact:
Pinnacle Golf
www.pinnaclegolf.com