Sun Mountain back
in the golf bag game

TravelGolf.com Staff Report

MISSOULA, Mont. (Aug. 14, 2003) - The innovators at Sun Mountain have struck again with the invention of the RollerTop golf bag. The new RollerTop bags to be called Lightning and Lightning ES (extra space) have the makings of the biggest innovation in golf bags since Sun Mountain created the stand bag in 1986. The patent-pending RollerTop is a handle that extends from the top of the golf bag offering a convenient place for the golfer to grab when removing the bag from the shoulder.

The RollerTop handle rotates freely to make removing the golf bag, placing on the ground and activating the stand mechanism, one fluid motion. The Lightning line of golf bags will be available at finer golf retailers by the end of July 2003 with a suggested retail price of $170 for the Lightning and $190 for the Lightning ES. For the retailer nearest you, call 1-800-227-9224 or visit sunmountain.com.

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"Sun Mountain was founded with a mission to build the best golf bag," said Sun Mountain founder and owner Rick Reimers, "and that quest continues with the invention of the RollerTop. I started carrying a proto-type of the Lightning last year and was astounded at how instantaneously I started grabbing the RollerTop and at how much I missed it being there when I switched back to my other bag. You very quickly find yourself wondering how you did without it."

True to Sun Mountain's heritage the innovation on the Lightning line of bags does not end with the RollerTop. Additional features new to golf bags include an integrated one-piece top combining the top cuff, the RollerTop handle and the upper stand bracket for added stability; floating ball joints on the legs for smoother extension and retraction; rubber tips on the legs and rubber buttons on the bottom of the bag to prevent the legs from slowly sliding apart and hyper extending when sitting on a smooth surface; and a redesigned "foot" on the stand mechanism allowing the bag to sit on a walking or riding cart without activating the legs.

Beyond the obvious benefit offered by the RollerTop are the more subtle benefits of the extended handle offering a new strap connection point that keeps the carry strap from rubbing against the golfer's side, and moving the center of gravity of the bag resulting in a better balanced bag for easier carrying.

Lightning and Lightning ES are in keeping with Sun Mountain's lightweight heritage weighing only 3.9 lbs. and 4.9 lbs., respectively. Both bags feature the Sun Mountain Dual X-Strap, six-way divided top with full-length dividers, GSP (graphite shaft protection), and pockets ranging from full-length outerwear pockets to a velour-lined valuables pouch.

In addition to golf bags, Sun Mountain Performance Outerwear is dedicated to finding the most innovative fabrics, the latest weaving processes, and the best designs to manufacture a line of performance outerwear that includes rainsuits, windshirts, microfiber and fleece garments.

For over 20 years, Sun Mountain has been designing and manufacturing functional, high-quality, lightweight golf bags for the serious golfer. Sun Mountain is responsible for many industry firsts, including being the first to use backpacking technology to produce a lightweight nylon golf bag, and being the first to develop a stand bag with integral legs.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.