Beta Group Launches Pixl Golf; Startup Heralds 'New Face of Golf' by Bringing Silicon Valley Technology to the Links.

Sports Editors/Golf Writers and Columnists

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BW SportsWire)--June 7, 2000

Spin-Off Unveils New Line of Clubs Which Alter 'Face Dynamics'

Drawing on a tradition of "disruptive technologies" that have shaken up industries as diverse as electronics, medicine and consumer products, established Silicon Valley technology incubator Beta Group LLC today launched Pixl Golf, a new company with a mission to improve the game and transform the business of golf.

The joint venture spin-off company -- brandishing a track record and innovative spirit built outside the golf equipment industry -- brings to market a new line of branded golf clubs built around fundamentally different, but proven and patented, precision face insert technology. The Beta Group invented and supplies face inserts to several golf distributors, including PING's market-leading line of IsoForce(R) putters, with more than 100,000 sold and a growing number of PGA tour wins.

Serving as president of Pixl Golf is Art Chou, former head of club R&D at Titleist and equipment technology editor for Golf Digest, and a longtime authority and visionary in the golf equipment segment.

Supporting Pixl Golf is a blue ribbon panel of advisors, which includes Wally Goodwin, golf coach at Stanford University; Mike Brower, former executive with Odyssey Golf; and Peter Brooks, former owner and chairman of Grafalloy, a premium shaft maker.

The Beta Group's proprietary Pixl Performance Engine(TM) increases forgiveness in "mis-hits" by altering the club's "face dynamics" -- the architecture of the club face. In addressing the club face for the first time, Pixl insert technology represents a "logical revolution" in club design, on par with the advent of metalwoods and cavity-backed irons. Pixl putters reduce 3-putts by getting the first putt closer to the hole. Pixl putters feature patented face inserts that are comprised of independent precision components called pixels. Compared to conventional clubs, pixel technology creates a more uniform response across the club face by capturing the energy lost in off-center shots. Long putts that require a larger stroke are more likely to result in off-center hits. Pixels are proven to get your long putts closer to the hole. The result: fewer 3-putts.

Pixlgolf.com is introducing the Pixl Putter, priced at $225, limited production custom-made 1, 2 and 3 Pixl Forged Blade Irons at $240 each and will offer a full line of cavity-backed designs featuring face inserts. Pursuing a "technology-to-consumer" (T2C) strategy, the company has made its putters and irons available for purchase exclusively over the Internet, at www.pixlgolf.com.

The forged irons are designed for professional tour players who want the workability of a blade combined with the forgiveness of a cavity-backed iron.

In addition to the Pixl Golf line of clubs and its ongoing relationship with PING, The Beta Group will pursue an "open architecture" philosophy, popularizing pixel technology through various strategic alliances and partnerships. Out of the gate, Impact Golf Technology -- a company run by master clubmaker Tom Stites -- will custom-make pixel technology-based clubs for tour professionals, while Dimension Z, run by Don Ingermann, former president of Hogan Golf, will implement Pixl in precision wedges offered through Ingermann's fitting centers.