Callaway Expects Better Times in 2010

Callaway Golf Company recently released its financial results for 2009, and the results are encouraging.

Overall, of course, 2009 was a lousy year. Callaway sold $951 million worth of clubs, balls, clothing, and other stuff, a decline of 15 percent from 2008.

But the losses came early in the year. In the fourth quarter, Callaway's sales were up by 9 percent over the same period in 2008. It was the company's first quarter of growth in nearly two years.

And the sales increase has apparently brightened Callaway's mood. In 2010, the company expects a further boost in its sales, perhaps to $1 billion or more.

"We are cautiously optimistic that the economy and the golf industry will begin to recover in 2010," said George Fellows, the company's president.