SAN DIEGO -- Following months of rigorous testing on the PGA and Japan PGA TOURS and extensive feedback from TOUR players, Graphite Design International (“GDI”) has announced the availability of its premium, TOUR AD graphite shafts for hybrid woods and irons in the U.S.
The new Tour AD Hybrid shaft line includes four performance-engineered models: the UT 55 and 65 for hybrid woods and the UT 85 and 95 for hybrid irons. All feature GDI’s proprietary Ultra-High Modulus Material and industry-leading “Accuracy” and “Distance” technology that produced 39 winners of professional events worldwide in 2004 and five winners year to date on the PGA TOUR.
Model Capsules:
UT-55 – Weighing just 58 grams, the UT-55 is a lightweight, low kick point, mid-torque shaft that produces higher launch angles for maximum distance. The 44” shaft is available in R and S flexes with .350” tip diameters. MSRP: $209
UT-65 – Slightly heavier than the UT-55 at 69 grams, the UT-65 is a low kick point, low-torque shaft designed for players with low to medium swing speeds. The 44” shaft is available in R and S flexes with .350” tip diameters. MSRP: $209
UT-85 – Designed specifically for hybrid irons, the UT-85 is a mid kick point, low torque shaft available in 84, 85 and 86-gram SKUs. The 42” shaft is available in R, S, and X flexes with .350” tip diameters. MSRP: $164.
UT-95 – Also engineered for hybrid irons, the UT-95 is a mid kick point, low torque shaft weighing 90 grams. Designed for players who like the heavier feel of steel shafts, the 42” model is available in R, S, and X flexes with .350” tip diameters. MSRP: $164.
“We are excited to introduce the Tour AD Hybrid Series to the competitive U.S. marketplace,” says Akio Karashima, President of GDI. “The availability and popularity of hybrid woods and irons has grown exponentially, and GDI has responded with a high performance shaft line enables golfers of all skill levels to realize the full potential of their hybrid clubs.”
The Hybrid Series is part of GDI’s recently introduced TOUR AD family of shafts, which also includes the I-65, W-60 and W-70 graphite models for fairway woods and drivers. Tour AD has quickly assumed a position as the company’s flagship shaft line and serves as the umbrella brand for GDI’s YS, YS+ and YS Power series, as well as its Tour GAT 75, GAT, Purple Ice, and PM702 and PM902 models.
Further validating its mantra of “Ultimate Performance, Proven on Tour,” GDI is off to a fast start on the PGA TOUR in 2005, capturing nine-of-13 brand and/or manufacturer counts for graphite shafts in fairway woods and drivers, appearing in the fairway woods and drivers of five winners, and helping the world’s best players amass roughly $18.5 million in earnings.
The hot beginning to the new season builds upon the success of 2004 -- a banner year in which TOUR players earned over $60 million using GDI shafts. Putting GDI shafts in play each week were the winners of the 2004 Masters and PGA Championship, the No. 1 player in the World Golf Rankings, two of the top three money leaders on the PGA TOUR, two of the three winningest, active players, and the leader in driving accuracy percentage
All told, GDI shafts were in the clubs of 39 winners in 2004, including the PGA TOUR, LPGA, Champions and Nationwide Tours. On the Japan PGA TOUR, GDI has won the manufacturer and brand counts for a staggering 80 consecutive events dating back to 2002.
Week to week, GDI is a proven winner in the brand and manufacturers counts for fairway woods and drivers on the PGA and Japan PGA TOURS, according to the Darrell Survey. On the Japan PGA TOUR, GDI has been the most-played shaft spanning a staggering 75-straight tournaments dating back to 2002.
GDI’s supremacy validates that Tour players – with their careers and livelihoods on the lines – prefer GDI shafts because their technologically-advanced design and construction help them realize greater distance and accuracy from their golf shots.
About Graphite Design International
GDI, established in Japan in 1989 and in the U.S. in 1997, is one of the world's three largest golf-club shaft manufacturers. GDI made its mark manufacturing high-performance shafts for most of golf's major OEMs worldwide, including the top four companies by sales volume.
GDI's trademarks are revolutionary technology, design and sourcing the most advanced materials so GDI shafts are of highest quality and performance. GDI shafts specifically promote “Accuracy and Distance.”
The core components of the company’s “AD” logo, these key competitive advantages help professionals and amateurs optimize their game after switching to GDI shafts. The company’s popular YS series, new PM (Prototype Model) shafts, and new Tour AD shafts are taking this message to the next level.
For more information about GDI: 888.707.6132, info@gdintl.com , www.gdintl.com .
