Moore Leaves Scratch Golf; Joins Adams


Ryan Moore and Scratch Golf have parted ways. The decision came only a year after Moore became a part-owner and endorser of the seven-year-old company. In a press release from Scratch Golf, Moore will also forfeit all ownership in the Chattanooga, Tenn.-based company.

In the release, Scratch Golf's president and CEO, Ari Techner, wrote: "We appreciate all Ryan has done to help us grow our brand in 2010. It has been a great year for Ryan on the golf course and for Scratch Golf as a business. We wish him the best moving forward with his career.

"The nature of our agreement dictates that Ryan will no longer hold any ownership interest in Scratch Golf. This decision will allow both Ryan and Scratch Golf to pursue other opportunities in the golf industry and on Tour.

"We hope Ryan will continue to play our clubs and we wish Ryan all the best in his future endeavors. Ryan's presence on the PGA Tour greatly enhanced the visibility of Scratch Golf in the minds of the public and opened many doors for our brand, for which we are very grateful. We want to thank Ryan for the attention he has brought to our brand this year and wish him great success in the years to come.

"With Ryan's help, Scratch has seen more play on the PGA Tour in 2010 than in any previous season. Thanks to the quality of our products and the response from players worldwide, we expect our Tour and retail success to continue in 2011."

After Moore left Scratch Golf, he signed an endorsement contract with Adams Golf Inc. "I'm excited about joining a company that is committed to developing world-class golf clubs and where I can make an impact," Moore, 27, said in a statement released by Adams. Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed.

The former U.S. Amateur champion, who won his first event this year on the PGA Tour and earned a career-high $2.4 million, has used a driver and hybrid club made by the Plano, Texas-based Adams for several years. He switched to Scratch irons and wedges before 2010 after playing most of the 2009 season without an equipment sponsor.

Two months after Scratch Golf reached an agreement last November with Moore it hired Don White, Jack Nicklaus's former clubmaker, to build its custom clubs. White will continue to work for Scratch, the company said.