SAN DIEGO, CA – November 5, 2008 – Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year. Graphite Design was founded in 1989 in Chichibu Japan where it quickly became known for designing quality and performance shafts. Using the highest quality composite materials solidifies the company’s reputation for manufacturing superior golf shafts.
Demand for the product increased globally and Graphite Design International was founded In San Diego, CA in 1997. The 12,000 square-foot facility houses 24 employees and a state of the art production prototype cell.
Graphite Design has been a force with professional golfers worldwide and continues to be a popular choice among the best golfers in the world. This popularity has allowed the company to support golf through the re-shaft aftermarket and golf club manufacturers.
The management team of Graphite Design International in the U.S. has over 90 years of combined experience with the company. The president is Mr. Kenzo Imamura, who has been with Graphite Design since its inception. He brings 30+ years of composite experience to the USA from Graphite Design and Toray Composites. He leads a management team that consists of:
Mr. Tak Yamada, Corporate planner, 10 years
Mr. Wayne Ageno, VP Finance, 10 years
Mrs. Karen Ageno, VP Accounting, 10 years
Mr. Tomo Koyisha, Manager R & D, 3 years in US, 12 years total
Mr. Dai Takaesu, Global Production and Graphics Manager, 5 years
Mrs. Kathy Johnson, Global Procurement Manager, 2 years
Mr. Tim Gillis, VP sales and Marketing, 2 years
Mr. Bill McPherson, Sales Manager, 6 years
Mr. Dana Albert, Aftermarket Sales Manager, 2 years
Mr. Erik Boysen, Promotions manager, 1 Year
In addition to the management team, Graphite Design provides support for Tour Professionals throughout the U.S. and Europe. The Tour support team includes:
Donald Parker, ProTour Services, PGA Tour & Nationwide Tour coverage, 40 tour events
Jerry Garrison, JG Custom Golf, Champions Tour & Nationwide coverage, 35 tour events
Jon Fitzpatrick, Tour59, European PGA Tour & Europro Tour, 20 tour events in Europe. Jon is also a PGA member for the past 20 years
Graphite Design recently introduced its Tour AD Throttle shaft designed with ACI technology for strong golfers with aggressive, high-speed swings. Earlier this year, Graphite Design unveiled its Tour AD YSQ shaft series delivering superior performance in four key areas: launch angle, spin rate, accuracy and distance.
Graphite Design International manufactures the highest quality shafts in the world for Pure Distance and Perfect Accuracy. Graphite Design shafts can be seen in play by the best professional players on the PGA, Nationwide, Champions, Japan, European and LPGA tours. Graphite Design shafts 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 since 2004 and millions of dollars in prize money. A total of 8 US distributors and 5 European and Asian distributors supply Graphite Design shafts to over 1000 custom fitters around the world.
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 club makers 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, call 888.707.6132, e-mail info@gdintl.com;, or visit www.gdintl.com.
For media inquiries about Graphite Design please contact Tracy Nackel at 760-420-1602 / tnackel@cox.net or Vanessa Price at 714-544-6515 / readthegreens@aol.com.
Contact:
Tracy Nackel, TEN Marketing & Public Relations, tnackel@cox.net, 760-420-1602
Vanessa Price, TEN Marketing & Public Relations, readthegreens@aol.com, 714-544-6515
