SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- On the heels of the recent launch of its flagship Tour AD graphite wood shafts, Graphite Design International (“GDI”) has announced the availability of its premium Tour AD Iron Series in the U.S. market.
Based on the design platform of the most popular and widely-played shaft on the Japan PGA TOUR, and one of the hottest new shaft lines on the PGA Tour, the new Tour AD Iron Series includes the AD-75, AD-85 and AD-95 models. The three-model suite is engineered with GDI’s proprietary Ultra-High Modulus Materials, providing superior distance and trajectory control compared to steel shafts.
Model Capsules:
AD-75 -- Designed for a wide range of players with varying swing speeds, the AD-75 is a 78-79-gram, mid-kickpoint shaft with a .355” parallel tip and .595” butt. Available in R and S flexes with 2.8 degrees of torque.
AD-85 – Engineered for players with slow to medium swing speeds, the AD-85 is a 88-89-gram, mid-kickpoint shaft with a .355” taper tip and .595” butt. Available in R and S flexes with 2.2 degrees of torque.
AD-95 -- With a higher kickpoint and lower torque, the AD-95 is a 98-99-gram shaft designed for better players with higher swing speeds. Available in S and X flexes with a .355” taper tip and .595” butt.
MSRP for each of the three models -- $88.
The introduction of the Tour AD Iron Series furthers GDI’s goal of engineering a paradigm shift in the golf industry from steel to graphite shafts played in irons. This shift is particularly evident on the Champions Tour, where many top players use GDI’s multi-material GAT shafts in their irons.
“We are excited to add the Tour AD Iron Series to GDI’s growing Tour AD family,” says Akio Karashima, President of GDI. 'Graphite shafts provide golfers with the ability to hit better iron shots, and this parallels Graphite Design's research, design and manufacturing strengths as well as untapped market share.'
In 2005, GDI shafts have been in the drivers and fairway woods of 24 winners worldwide, including 11 on the PGA TOUR. Known for their optimal combination of accuracy and distance performance, GDI shafts are played by two of the top three players on the World Money List and the TOUR leader in total driving (distance plus accuracy).
GDI shafts are found in the clubs of the most successful professional golfers, who with their livelihoods and reputations on the line rely on their consistently superior performance. In 2005, GDI shafts have been the “most popular” in the weekly brand and manufacturer counts ten times on the PGA Tour, and have helped the world’s best players amass over $37 million in earnings. 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 .
