CARLSBAD, Calif. (December 29, 2014) – Seventy players on the U.S. and European PGA Tours utilized various models of Nippon Shaft’s steel shafts in their irons and wedges during the 2013-14 season, an increase of 69.5% over the previous campaign, company officials announced today.
Fifty-six U.S. PGA TOUR players and 14 European Tour members chose from among five types of Nippon Shaft steel shafts to outfit their irons, officials said.
The iron shaft models used were the N.S. PRO 950GH, the N.S. PRO MODUS3 Tour 130, N.S. PRO MODUS3 Tour 120, N.S. PRO MODUS3 PROTO ST prototype shaft, and N.S. PRO MODUS3 ORA prototype steel shafts.
Forty-one players used Nippon Shaft N.S. PRO WV shafts, which were designed exclusively for wedges, utilizing unique technologies that contribute to high levels of stability and feel in the short game.
Nine players recorded victories on the two Tours over the course of the season using Nippon Shaft in their irons.
The 70 players utilizing Nippon Shaft products was a 69.5 percent increase from 48 last season, and represents continued significant growth since the company introduced its steel shafts on the major men’s tours in late 2009. The adoption rate is as follows: 2010, 15 players; 2011, 25 players; 2012, 40 players; 2013, 48 players; 2014, 70 players.
Meanwhile, Nippon Shaft continues to be the preferred shaft on the LPGA Tour, with several players having recorded victories on the world’s predominant women’s tour.
“Nippon Shaft is extremely pleased and proud that the greatest players in the world are increasingly deciding that our steel shafts give them the best chance to win on the U.S. and European PGA Tours,” said Hiro Fukuda, sales and marketing for the Japanese club maker. “Nippon Shaft has worked directly with players on Tour to develop products for them and for amateurs who aspire to get the best out of their games.”
In recent years, Nippon Shaft has been making inroads on the PGA TOUR with shafts designed for tour pros and low-handicap amateurs. For years, Nippon Shaft has been the most popular steel shaft on the LPGA Tour, thanks to its ability to manufacture a shaft that combines light weight and sturdiness, which ensures maximum control.
Over the years, Nippon Shaft recorded hundreds of victories on professional golf tours worldwide, as the best players in the world increasingly chose to install in their irons steel shafts manufactured in Japan to unparalleled quality standards.
Nippon Shaft products are available globally either as stock or custom shafts in many of the world’s top iron brands. In addition, Nippon Shaft products are available through Nippon Shaft’s dedicated global club fitter network. Details of these can be found at www.nipponshaft.com
Nippon Shaft manufactures all of its steel and graphite shafts in a state-of-the-art factory in Komagane, Japan. The company’s integrated production lines are strictly monitored and controlled with thorough checks conducted responsibly through the entire production process. As a result, Nippon Shaft is able to control high product quality – from material selection to final testing.
Based in Yokohama, Japan, Nippon Shaft is the No. 1-selling steel shaft in Asia. Nippon Shaft is a privately-held subsidiary of NHK Spring Co. LTD, a Japanese automobile parts manufacturer. Nippon Shaft’s North American headquarters is in Carlsbad.
Contact:
Barry Cronin
Cronin Communications, Inc.
847-698-1801 (o)
847-867-3032 (m)
bcronin@cronincommunications.com
