Winner of Japan ANA Open Plays GDI Shaft
(SAN DIEGO, Calif.) – Graphite Design International (“GDI”) won the manufacturer and brand counts for wood shafts at the 84 Lumber Classic on the PGA TOUR, according to the Darrell Survey.
All told, GDI shafts helped players in the highly competitive field win over $1 million. Known for their industry-leading combination of accuracy and distance, GDI shafts have been played by the world’s best players en route to amassing over $48 million in earnings year-to-date.
Other key GDI statistics for 2005:
Played by 16 winners on the PGA TOUR in 2005
Played by 35 winners worldwide
“Most popular” in weekly manufacturer and brand counts for graphite wood shafts on the PGA TOUR 14 times.
Played by two of the top three players on the World Money List and two of the top four in total driving (distance plus accuracy) on the PGA TOUR use GDI shafts.
On the Japan PGA Tour, the winner of the Japan ANA Open used GDI’s Tour AD M75 model shaft in his driver en route to victory. GDI also won the manufacturer and brand counts for wood shafts, marking its 96th consecutive first-place finish and continuing a streak dating back to the 2002 season. Additionally, GDI captured the manufacturer and brand counts in the Hybrid category by 20 percent over the nearest competitor.
“Winning the manufacturer and brand counts on two tours is validation of our innovative accuracy and distance technology,” says Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. “Tour validation encourages players of all skill levels to switch to GDI shafts and experience the game improvement benefits.”
GDI’s record-setting year in 2005 builds upon the company’s success in 2004 — a banner year in which PGA TOUR players earned over $60 million using GDI shafts including the winners of the 2004 Masters and PGA Championship.
About Graphite Design International
GDI, established in Japan in 1989 and in the U.S. in 1997, is one of the world’s three largest golf-club shaft manufacturers. The company made its mark manufacturing high-performance shafts for most of golf’s major OEMs worldwide, including the top four companies by sales volume, and GDI shafts continue to be preferred by top clubmakers, worldwide.
The company recently made its entire line of performance enhancing shafts available through its “Shop Direct” program that provides consumers unprecedented convenience in researching and purchasing GDI products via the Internet. Shop Direct offerings include GDI’s new Tour AD models, the popular YS-6, YS-7 and YS-Power models, GAT shafts for irons and the new PM model, played by the 2004 Masters Champion.
GDI’s trademarks are revolutionary technology, design and sourcing the most advanced materials so GDI shafts are of highest quality and performance. GDI shafts specifically promote “Accuracy and Distance” among players of all levels, and are commonly referred to as “Ultimate Performance, Proven on Tour.”
The core components of the company’s “AD” logo, these key competitive advantages help professionals and amateurs optimize their game after switching to GDI shafts. The company’s popular YS series, new PM (Prototype Model) shafts, and the recently introduced Tour AD line are taking this message to the next level.
For more information about GDI: 888.707.6132, info@gdintl.com , www.gdintl.com .
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
803.547.2118
ssharp@billycaspergolf.com
