July 21, 2008

BRIDGESTONE ADDS 2008 NCAA CHAMPION TO TOUR TEAM

Chappell Enjoys Amateur Success with Bridgestone; Looks for More of the Same in
Pro Career

Covington, Ga. — Bridgestone Golf announced recently that it has added 2008 NCAA individual men's golf champion and Jack Nicklaus Award Winner, Kevin Chappell to its stable of PGA Tour players. Chappell gained an appreciation for Bridgestone relying on its equipment throughout his unforgettable collegiate career. As a part of the deal, the 2008 Pac-10 and National Division I Player of the Year will play Bridgestone balls and clubs, wear a Bridgestone Golf glove, sport the Bridgestone Golf logo on his headwear and left chest of his shirt and carry a Bridgestone Golf Tour bag in all professional tournaments.

Chappell relies on Bridgestone Golf's Tour B330-S balls, J36 irons (3-6 J36, 7-PW J36 PC), WC Design Liquid Copper Wedges (54 and 60-degrees) and the J33R 460 (9.5-degree) driver and 3-Wood. Chappell plans to make his professional debut at the Nationwide Children's Invitational at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course this week.

"I have come to know and appreciate Bridgestone Golf and their innovative equipment over the years and I really trust the quality of their products," said Chappell. "Bridgestone really strives to always improve their technology to fit the player rather than the player fitting the technology, which makes their products really top-notch."

Chappell made school history this past June when he carded a 2-under par total score to become the first golfer in UCLA history to win the Men’s Individual Title. He was also the only player in the tournament to finish under par. In doing so, he helped propel the Bruins to their first NCAA Men’s Golf team title since 1988.

"It is exciting to have such a decorated young player join the Bridgestone Golf brand,” said Hisashi Kawano, President of Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. "We are eager to see what happens when golf's #1 technology company joins forces with one of the game's promising future stars."

While the financial terms of the agreement will remain undisclosed, the company is pleased to report the contract is a multi-year deal.

For more information on what is in Kevin Chappell's bag, visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.

# # #

Bridgestone Golf, Inc., based in Covington, GA, manufactures and markets premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Precept and Bridgestone brand names. Bridgestone is represented on a world stage by a number of internationally famed golfers including, Stuart Appleby, Fred Couples, Nick Price, Charles Howell III and Brandt Snedeker. Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., whose headquarters are in Tokyo.

Contact Information:
Jared Kelowitz
jaredk@jdpr.com
JDPR, 864-233-3776 x 24