VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - STIHL products are used by golf course maintenance crews and other turf professionals on fairways, greens and bunkers around the country.

STIHL Incorporated has announced that another kind of professional will be wearing the STIHL insignia, as PGA Tour player Carl Paulson will again be sponsored in 2001 by STIHL Incorporated.

"Carl's driving power and precision on those long par five's serve him well on the golf course," said Fred Whyte, President of STIHL Inc. "Power and precision are also advantages that our customers expect from our line of outdoor power equipment, so our relationship is a natural fit."

In 2000, Paulson had top 10 placements in Total Driving (9), Par 5 Birdie Leaders (10), Longest Drive (6), and Par 5 Performance (3). He was among the top 75 money winners and top 50 players in the 2000 season's overall ranking. Paulson's best finish last year was second place at the Tampa Bay Classic, followed by a top five finish at the Buick Challenge. He earned more than $700,000 in prize money last year.

"We're pleased to have Carl on STIHL's sports marketing team, and we are looking forward to his continued climb up the PGA rankings," said Whyte.