Callaway signs Stuart Appleby

Callaway Golf announced today that it has signed Australia's Stuart Appleby to a multi-year endorsement deal. Appleby, who has won eight times on the PGA Tour, including three consecutive Mercedes-Benz championships between 2004-2006, had previously been with Bridgestone Golf.

Appleby will use Callaway's clubs and golf balls and feature the company's logo on his hat. His caddie will also be carrying a Callaway bag.

Appleby, 37, missed only two cuts in 23 events last season while earning more than $2 million in prize money for the fifth time. While he didn't win a PGA Tour event in 2008, he had a career-high seven top 10 finishes.

"Stuart is a quality person and embodies everything Callaway Golf looks for in a partner," said Nick Raffaele, Callaway's vice president of sports marketing, in a media release. "He's a proven winner and we're excited to assist with his equipment needs as he pursues more success on the PGA Tour and ultimately a major championship."

A Callaway spokesman told me Appleby is testing many of the company's clubs but has yet to decide exactly which will be in his new bag before he starts his 2009 season. Here is a list of the clubs he used during the 2008 U.S. Open:

Driver Bridgestone J33P (9.5°)
Fairway woods Bridgestone Golf Prototype (15°), J33R (18°)
Irons J36 Cavity Back (3-PW)
Wedges Bridgestone prototype WC (53°, 60°)
Putter Zen ZB1
Ball Tour B330-S

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)