Introduced in 2008, New Model Delivers Exceptional Stability, Power and Feel
(SAN DIEGO, California) – A pair of top-six finishers at the PGA TOUR’s Travelers Championship played Graphite Design’s new Tour AD YSQ shaft model while the company carded another dominating brand count win on the Japan Tour, according to the Darrell Survey.
At the Travelers Championship, a second-place finisher used the Tour AD YSQ in his driver en route to a four-round total of 17-under par. Hitting nearly 70 percent of fairways at a solid 287.3-yard average, the player led the field in greens in regulation for the week. A sixth-place finisher used the Tour AD YSQ hybrid shaft in a hybrid club while posting his best result of the season.
“We’re proud of the success these professionals enjoyed while playing the Tour AD YSQ, which delivers the performance that world-class players demand,” said Tim Gillis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Graphite Design. “This shaft’s superior materials and Axial Composite Interlace technology provide exceptional stability while retaining the power and feel Graphite Design shafts are famous for. Just like leading professionals, amateurs of all levels can improve their driver, fairway wood and hybrid play with the Tour AD YSQ.”
At the Japan Tour’s Yomiuri Classic, Graphite Design was the most-played graphite wood shaft brand by a wide margin. A total of 183 Graphite Design shafts were played by the field, 74 more than the nearest competitor and almost 36 percent of the total. It marked the 165th time in the past 166 Japan Tour events – dating to 2002 – in which Graphite Design has been the most popular graphite wood shaft brand.
Graphite Design – maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR – unveiled the Tour AD YSQ to rave reviews from OEM representatives, customers and media in January. 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 premium 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
