GOLF NEWS & NOTES: SPALDING/ETONIC DEAL BAD NEWS FOR SOME?

     Initial analysis of Spalding's acquisition of Etonic
indicates the "marriage" is not "good news" for smaller golf shoe
companies, according to GOLF WORLD.  With sales approaching $1B,
Spalding can inject capital into Etonic's marketing/advertising
budget and package products together, "creating a formidable
challenge for smaller, less-endowed companies" (Amy Lee, GOLF
WORLD, 8/9 issue)....In addition to leveraged buyout firm
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, other contenders to purchase Spalding
include Wall Street firm Thomas Lee, Sara Lee Corp., Brunswick
and Mattel. ... U.K.-based Rata & Rata has agreed to pay Callaway
Golf $463,650 in damages and $154,500 in costs while agreeing to
stop selling Mercury and Rident "knockoff" clubs (GOLF WORLD, 8/9
issue)....Liz Claiborne Inc. has formed a sales and distribution
partnership with Charles Sakmann Golf Inc. to "accelerate" the
marketing of its golf lines -- LizGolf for women and Claiborne
Mens (GOLFWEEK, 8/10 issue).