(SAN DIEGO, California) – The winner of the 84 LUMBER Classic used Graphite Design International’s (“GDI”) D03 shaft in his fairway wood, marking GDI’s 16th appearance in the PGA TOUR winner’s circle this season.

GDI shafts, commonly known as the “Ultimate in High Performance,” are played weekly by:

- The No. 1 player in the World Golf Rankings
- The Top Two money leaders on the PGA TOUR
- The 2004 Masters and PGA Championship winners
- Two of the three winningest, active players on the PGA TOUR

GDI’s supremacy validates that the world’s best 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.

Statistics related to GDI’s success on the 2004 PGA TOUR to date:

- Played by the leader in Driving Accuracy Percentage
- 16 wins in 38 weeks
- #1 Graphite Shaft Manufacturer (15 times)
- #1 Graphite Shaft Brand (13 times)
- #1 Graphite Shaft Model - YS-6, YS-7 (14 times)
- Players have won more than $48 million with GDI shafts in their golf clubs
- Nearly 50 percent of top-5 and top-10 finishers use GDI shafts weekly

The shaft manufacturer’s popularity carries over to the Champions Tour, where two of the Top Three ranked players rely on GDI’s GAT shafts in their irons. This supports the paradigm shift that GDI is setting within the golf-equipment industry: graphite-laden shafts in iron clubs (opposed to more traditional steel shafts).

"We are proud of our accomplishments this season, and winning on the PGA TOUR never gets old,” says Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. “We are excited to bring the same technology into the retail market for the average consumer.”

GDI shafts specifically promote “Accuracy and Distance.” The core components of the company’s “AD” logo, these key competitive advantages help pros and amateurs optimize their game after switching to GDI shafts.

The company’s new YS Power and PM shafts for drivers and fairway woods, as well as its multi-material GAT (Graphite Alloy Technology) 105 LB and 75 shafts for irons, also result in significant game improvement in the form of superior balance, control, trajectory and impact feedback.

For more information about GDI: 888.707.6132, info@gdintl.com; www.gdintl.com.