Most-Played Driver Shaft on TOUR Two Years and Running Notches Victory
(SAN DIEGO, Calif.) – Graphite Design International’s ("GDI") YS-6 model was the most-played graphite wood shaft at the Michelin Championship at Las Vegas, according to the Darrell Survey.
The most popular driver shaft on TOUR for two years and running, 20 YS-6 shafts were put into play at the Michelin Championship. All told, 74 GDI shafts were used by 37 players, including YS, YS Power, Tour AD, Purple Ice, Tour GAT, Prototype and PM series models.
Known for their industry-leading combination of accuracy and distance, GDI shafts have helped the world’s best players on the PGA TOUR amass over $55 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
Consistently played by top ranked players in the World Golf Rankings and TOUR leaders in total driving (distance plus accuracy) and driving accuracy percentage
On the Japan PGA Tour, GDI won the manufacturer and brand counts at the Japan Open for the 99th consecutive time, a staggering streak dating back to the 2002 season. GDI also captured the manufacturer, brand and model counts in the highly competitive Hybrid shaft category.
"The YS-6 continues to stand the test as one of the most popular shafts on the PGA TOUR," says Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. "We are also excited about GDI’s continued success on the Japan PGA Tour and the continued validation of GDI shafts on multiple, professional tours."
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