Watson and Leishman join Callaway

Callaway has quickly followed up on its best ever year on tour with 13 tournament victories, by signing Tom Watson and Marc Leishman

Tom Watson and Marc Leishman have joined Callaway as Staff Professionals for 2016. Both players will use Callaway clubs, balls and an Odyssey putter.

Widely regarded as one of golf’s greatest players, Watson will play Callaway gear on the Champions Tour, European Tour and during his final appearance at Augusta in April.

Watson has won eight majors, with five of these coming in The Open Championship. He provided fans with some historic moments along the way, including his unforgettable head-to-head showdown with Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977.

The American also won 39 career PGA Tour titles and was named Player of the Year six times.

Leishman will also be using his new Callaway clubs, ball, an Odyssey putter and will be wearing a Callaway hat on tour.

The Australian has been in fine form in recent times. He finished runner up at the Open Championship last year, where he was defeated in a three-way play-off. He put the disappointment behind him by claiming the Nedbank Challenge for his 9th professional win and enters this year inside the top 30 of the world golf rankings due to his recent form.

Leishman told Callaway golf: “I’m really excited to be on the Callaway team. I’ve seen first hand how their equipment has helped players out on Tour, and I’m looking forward to playing with the clubs and having a great year.”

They will be joined by players from the European Tour, including 2015 European Tour Race to Dubai runner-up Danny Willett and two-time winners last year, Thomas Pieters and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, as well as the likes of Marc Warren, Matteo Manassero and Thomas Bjorn.

Peter Harrison, Callaway Director of Tour Relations, said: “Our product line has never been stronger, and we wish all our Staff Professionals the very best of luck this year and look forward to celebrating yet more milestone victories throughout 2016.”

Headlining the ladies game, Callaway will continue to support Staff Professional, Lydia Ko, who celebrated becoming the youngest ever World Number One in 2015, at the age of 17.