Company?s YS-Hybrid 85 Tops Model Count on PGA TOUR for Sixth Time in 2008
(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 – powered the winner of the AT&T Champions Classic while claiming the graphite hybrid shaft model count at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, according to the Darrell Survey.
Emerging victorious from a three-way playoff, the AT&T winner grabbed his third Champions Tour title in two seasons with Graphite Design’s Purple Ice shaft model in his 3-wood. On the PGA TOUR, the company’s YS-Hybrid 85 shaft again proved its popularity at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. No other graphite hybrid model was in wider use at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, marking the sixth time this season the YS-Hybrid 85 has taken the count.
“Week after week, touring professionals around the world count on Graphite Design shafts to deliver the precision performance needed to excel,” said Tim Gillis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Graphite Design. “The superior materials, design and craftsmanship that are the hallmarks of our shafts can also help amateur golfers improve their distance, accuracy and scores.”
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
