NEW business Asbri Golf has launched a range of golfing products designed for the private and corporate markets and bearing a Welsh brand. Asbri is Welsh for spirited or vivacious.

The launch party was held at Parc Golf Club at Coed Kernew where Asbri founders Eryl Williams and Paul Williams (no relation), are members and play off handicaps of four and six respectively.

The firm was founded in 2003 when the Williams' decided that Newport's success in the Ryder Cup 2010 bid could be translated into a market for Welsh golfing gear. Eryl is the designer and Paul the marketeer.

The Williams' research included the fact that golf worldwide has become a 40-billion dollar a year industry. While player numbers may have stalled in this country, globally they're increasing by 10 per cent per annum.

In the UK there are approximately 2,800 golf courses with over 1.2 million people registered as members.

Paul grew up in Caerphilly and now lives at Rogerstone. His marketing experience includes seven years working for global electronics manufacturer Panasonic.

Eryl is a North Walian from Llansannan, near Abergele. A design graduate from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, he has worked for Puma in London and Munich where he created a range of sports and fashion wear.

On behalf of another multinational he has also created a range of soccer boots for sponsored stars to wear in the 2006 Word Cup.

When he returned to Wales he teamed up with his golfing partner Paul and ploughed his experience into the design of the Asbri range.

Eryl said: "Our focus at Asbri is to offer the Welsh golfer a Welsh brand name.

"Our product range will be available through professional shops across Wales and also online via our website (www.asbrigolf.co.uk).

The business has attracted support from NatWest Busin-ess Banking and from the Welsh Development Agency's New Business Starts programme which is designed to help fledgling companies through their early years.

Paul said: "Despite it being a fiercely competitive market, the support we have received from professionals at golf clubs and organisations such as NatWest, the Welsh Development Agency and Ryder Cup Wales has been overwhelming."