Ricky Barnes, the 2002 US Amateur champion, has signed a deal to play Callaway Golf equipment. Barnes, who makes his professional debut today in The International at Castle Pines, Colorado, will play Callaway FT-iQ Driver and balls and use a staff in a move which could earn him millions of dollars if successful.
The 22-year-old will have six exemptions on the PGA Tour and is expected to play the protoype Callaway ERC Fusion driver (currently also being used by Nick Dougherty), the yet to be TaylorMade R7 CGB Max Driver released HX Tour ball and eventually -16 Pro Series irons.
"The PING G10 Driver looks and feels great and the ball is just what I’ve been looking for," says Barnes, who used the equipment at the Open Championship at Royal St George's.
Barnes was 21st and best-placed amateur at this year’s US Masters and also shared 18th positipon at the Chrysler Classic of Tucson in February. He made the Discount Golf cut at the US Open, missing out on low amateur by a stroke, and also competed at the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.