Professionals at Honda Classic Chose High-Performance Shaft to Handle Tough Course
(SAN DIEGO, California) – Graphite Design – maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver, fairway wood and hybrid shaft models on the PGA TOUR – earned the top spot in the graphite hybrid shaft model count at the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic, according to the Darrell Survey.
At the Honda Classic, a total of 10 Graphite Design YS-Hybrid 85 shafts were in play, more than any other graphite hybrid model. It marks the fifth time this season the YS-Hybrid 85 has claimed the count. A pair of top-seven finishers used the shaft model at the Honda Classic, played on the demanding PGA National Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
“It’s always gratifying when the best golfers in the world voice their preference for our products by putting them in play, especially under tough conditions,” said Tim Gillis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Graphite Design. “The YS-Hybrid 85 has set the standard for hybrid shaft performance as more professionals, and amateurs, replace their long irons. They’ve found that the YS-Hybrid delivers the best distance, accuracy and trajectory of any hybrid shaft on the market.”
Graphite Design recently unveiled its newest premium shaft model, the Tour AD YSQ, to rave reviews from visiting OEM representatives, customers and media at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. The Tour AD YSQ features advanced Axial Composite Interlace (ACI) construction, delivering superior performance in four key areas: launch angle, spin rate, accuracy and distance.
The company also launched the Graphite Design Fantasy Golf Tour 2008, where contestants pick their favorites in the PGA TOUR’s five biggest tournaments for a chance to win $100,000. Entering the Graphite Design Fantasy Golf Tour is free and requires only a quick registration via the company’s newly redesigned web site (www.gdintl.com, click on Fantasy Challenge).
In 2007, Graphite Design shaft models propelled professionals to a combined 45 victories on the PGA, Nationwide, Champions, Japan and LPGA tours. Among those relying on Graphite Design shafts were the world’s No. 3-ranked men’s player, the No. 4 women’s player, the winner of the Champions Tour’s Charles Schwab Cup points title, and seven of the top eight money earners on the Japan Tour. Graphite Design reinforced its dominance on the Japan Tour, where it has claimed 158 consecutive graphite wood shaft brand counts — an unprecedented streak which dates to 2002. On the PGA TOUR, Graphite Design shafts have helped professionals earn 54 victories and more than $290 million since 2004.
Graphite Design is the graphite shaftmaker of choice for Hank Haney, coach to the world’s top-ranked player. In 2007 the company introduced the Tour AD Quattro Tech ultra-premium shaft in the U.S. and launched its G-TECH combination-flex custom clubmaker series of wood and iron shafts, designed for exceptional playability throughout the bag.
About Graphite Design
Graphite Design, established in Japan in 1989 and in the U.S. in 1997, is the industry leader in shaft technology and the preferred brand for golf professionals worldwide. 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, including the top four companies by sales volume. Graphite Design shafts continue to be preferred by top clubmakers the world over while the company’s mainstay YS shafts, Pershing shafts and other models are extremely popular among avid and occasional golfers.
Revolutionary technology, design and sourcing the most advanced materials are trademarks in all Graphite Design shafts, making them the highest quality performance shafts on the market. Validating the company’s “AD” logo, all of Graphite Design’s PGA Tour-proven shafts specifically promote “Accuracy and Distance” and these key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts.
For more information about Graphite Design: 888.707.6132, info@gdintl.com; www.gdintl.com.
Contact:
Daniel Mitchell
Buffalo Communications
253.312.4536
dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com
