Callaway Golf yesterday announced that "its star endorser, Phil Mickelson, has signed a multi-year extension with the company to endorse and play its products, including its clubs and ball," according to E. Michael Johnson of GOLFDIGEST.com. The move "ends any speculation that the two might part ways after a decade together, such conjecture driven" by Mickelson's "age and penchant for, at times, trying out equipment from Callaway's competitors." Mickelson at times in recent years has "used fairway woods from Titleist and TaylorMade," but Callaway "shrugged off those transgressions as Phil being Phil -- the ultimate equipment tinkerer always seeking something new." That same "desire and interest in equipment, however, likely led Mickelson to re-up with Callaway as he enjoys a particularly close relationship with the R&D team" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 10/29). Johnson said of Mickelson, "At his age and given that the performance wasn't quite there this year, some folks were wondering whether or not that relationship was going to continue." The 44-year-old Mickelson did not win a tournament last season, the first time he was shut out since '03 ("Morning Drive," Golf Channel, 10/29).
