Tom Watson has signed a five-year club deal with TX-
based Adams Golf, according to Richard Alm of the DALLAS
MORNING NEWS. Watson will play with Adams' new line of
irons, and Alm writes that the deal came together when
Watson, who "liked" Adams' drivers and fairway woods, called
the company to "ask whether it had developed irons." Adams
doesn't have irons on the market yet, but has a prototype
set, which Watson tried. In addition to a full bag of Adams
clubs, not including the putter, Watson will use an Adams
golf bag and wear an Adams cap during tournaments.
Meanwhile, Adams' endorsement deal with PGA golfer Nick
Faldo "will continue" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/31). Watson,
who ends his 25-year relationship with Ram equipment, will
begin using the clubs at his Senior Tour debut at the
Comfort Classic on September 10. Adams Founder & President
Barney Adams: "We've made a move that we hope will improve
our credibility." Adams has been "frustrated" with its
stock price this year, which has fallen from a 52-week high
of $7.25 a share to just over $2 a share (USA TODAY, 8/31).
ACCOUNT NEWS: Adams named Temerlin McClain, Dallas, as
its ad agency. Adams spent around $2M last year on
advertising. Carat ICG, L.A., will continue to handle the
company's media duties (N.Y. TIMES, 8/31).
