Three-time winner Gay signs deal to endorse Bettinardi putters

TINLEY PARK, Ill. -- Bettinardi Golf has signed PGA Tour player Brian Gay to an endorsement deal, company officials have announced.

Gay, who has played Bettinardi products for years and used a Bettinardi putter for each of his three PGA Tour wins, will bring into play the Bettinardi BB8 Tour prototype putter in 2010.

"Brian epitomizes what Bettinardi stands for, consistency and craftsmanship around the greens," said Bob Bettinardi. "His enviable putting touch has helped ignite his career, particularly in the last few years."

Gay finished the 2009 season ranked fourth in putts per round with an average of 28.11 and posted his best position on the year-end money list (13th). Among the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings, he has earned entry to all four majors in 2010.

Gay joined the PGA Tour in 1999. His consistency has earned him more than $11 million to date in career winnings. His first win on tour came at the 2008 Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun, while his second win was at the 2009 Verizon Heritage.

His third victory, the 2009 St. Jude Classic, earned him the last spot in the 2009 U.S. Open, using the "Winners of multiple PGA Tour events since the last Open" exemption.

An All-America at the University of Florida, Gay led the Gators to two Southeastern Conference titles and the 1993 NCAA Championship.