(SAN DIEGO, Calif.) – Graphite Design International ("GDI") won the brand count for wood shafts at the WGC American Express Championship, and the manufacturer, brand and model counts at the Coca Cola Tokai Classic on the Japan PGA Tour, according to the Darrell Survey.
Thirty-one GDI shafts were put into play at the WGC American Express Championship, including the YS-6 model – the most-played driver shaft on the PGA TOUR for two years and running – and the PM 702, played by this year’s PGA Championship winner.
Known for their industry-leading combination of accuracy and distance, GDI shafts have helped the world’s best players amass over $54 million in earnings year-to-date.
Other key GDI statistics for 2005:
Played by 17 winners on the PGA TOUR in 2005
Played by 38 winners worldwide
"Most popular" in weekly manufacturer and brand counts for graphite wood shafts on the PGA TOUR 15 times
Played by two of the top three players on the World Money List and consistently played by TOUR leaders in total driving (distance plus accuracy) and driving accuracy percentage
GDI’s winning of the manufacturer and brand counts at the Coca Cola Tokai Classic marks the 98th consecutive first-place finish and continues a staggering streak dating back to the 2002 season. GDI also captured the manufacturer and brand counts in the Hybrid category by 32 percent over the nearest competitor.
"We are excited GDI shafts were utilized at such a high rate by the world’s best players at the WGC American Express Championship," says Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. "For GDI to continue its dominance of the Japan PGA Tour is the ultimate validation of our accuracy and distance technology in that competitive market."
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 recently introduced PM model, played by the 2004 Masters Champion and 2005 PGA Championship winner.
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
