THE PRICE IS HIGH TO PUT YOUR IRONS IN NICK'S HANDS

     The golf equipment industry is in a fierce competition to
"secure the world's No. 1 player as a spokesman, salesman and
walking billboard for its irons."  Nick Price, who previously was
under contract with Ram, was "disappointed" both with Ram
President Jim Hansberger's refusal to listen to him in matters of
research and development, and his contract of only $150,000 a
year plus $5,000 per victory.  Price: "I wanted to take [Ram] to
the next level.  I went to him with extremely good ideas ... and
they fell on deaf ears.  I don't want to be with a company like
that."  Currently, Price is "weighing offers" from Cobra, Taylor
Made, Maruman, Bridgestone, Pro Group.  In addition, little-known
Atrigon Golf Company of Camarillo, CA has offered the star $2.5M
plus 10% of the company, 1% international sales and "total
freedom to redesign its irons."  Because it may take Price until
June to make his decision, he may lose out.  Companies could balk
because June "is too late in the season to start an advertising
campaign and justify an enormous financial commitment" (Tim
Rosaforte, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, 1/16 issue).