Yash quits Callaway

Callaway Golf, the world's biggest golf club manufacturer, has parted company with one of its top executives in the wake of the retirement of its founder Ely Callaway.

Chuck Yash, the senior executive vice president and a member of its board of directors, had been expected to succeed Mr Callaway, but the job of president and CEO went to Ron Drapeau.

Yash joined Callaway in 1996 to mastermind the company's $150million move into producing the Rule 35 and CB1 golf balls, which have sold well but have proved costly to produce and deliver.

Last year he headed the company's 'grow the game' initiative to support Arnold Palmer's promotion of the non-conforming ERCII driver for recreational golf in the US.

It has met with limited success but still faces stiff opposition from the USGA determined to wipe out the introduction of illegal clubs for tournament play, which the R&A has cleared for use throughout the rest of the world.

"Chuck accomplished a great deal and he did so with great enthusiasm," said Ely Callaway."He earned my respect for the job he did and I wish him the best in the future."

Mr Yash commented: "Callaway Golf is a great company and I have truly benefited from my close association with Ely and all the employees. It has been a great run, and now I look forward to other new and exciting challenges."