Ashworth Clinch Solheim Cup Deal

Ashworth are to dress the European team during this year's Solheim Cup match against the Americans at Loch Lomond from October 6-8.

The company will use the biennial event as a platform to launch their new ladies golfwear range for 2001.

All the outfits worn by the European players, caddies and on-course staff will be taken from the Ashworth Classics range.

Ashworth's appointment as official apparel sponsor follows a 39 per cent increase in orders from the UK market and, according to the Darrell Survey last year, one in four players with a handicap of five or below wear Ashworth.

Richard Palmer-Jones, Ashworth's marketing manager, said: "Golf is now the fastest growing sport for women in the UK. Over 411,000 women are now regular players. Women make up 14 per cent of the total golf market, a rise from 7 per cent since 1992, and this trend is predicted to continue.

"Research has shown that ladies want golfwear which reflects the trends in mainstream fashion and we have made every effort to develop a range that combines fashion with function.

"All our garments are made from high performance fabrics and many styles are also weatherproof - essential on British golf courses!"