JAPAN -- Graphite Design International ("GDI") announces it won the manufacturer and brand counts for wood shafts at the Bridgestone Open on the Japan Tour, notching its 100th consecutive win in that category, a staggering, unprecedented streak dating back to 2002.
According to the Darrell Survey, GDI bested its nearest competitor by 16 percent in both counts, and also finished first in the competitive hybrid shaft category. Additionally, the winner of the Bridgestone Open used GDI's Tour AD W-70 model in his 3-wood en route to victory.
Known for their industry-leading combination of accuracy and distance, GDI shafts have helped the world's best players on the Japan PGA Tour, PGA TOUR and Champions Tour amass more than $75 million in earnings year-to-date.
Other key GDI statistics for 2005:
. Played by 18 winners on the PGA TOUR in 2005
. Played by 39 winners worldwide
. "Most popular" in weekly manufacturer and brand counts for graphite wood shafts on the PGA TOUR 15 times
. Consistently played by top ranked players in the World Golf Rankings and TOUR leaders in total driving (distance plus accuracy) and driving accuracy percentage
"We are excited to reach this impressive milestone on the Japan PGA Tour," says Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. "Our continued dominance is the ultimate validation of our accuracy and distance technology in that competitive market."
GDI's record-setting year in 2005 builds upon the company's success in 2004 -- a banner year in which PGA TOUR players earned more than $60 million using GDI shafts, including the winners of the 2004 Masters and PGA Championship.
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. The company made its mark manufacturing high-performance shafts for most of golf's major OEMs worldwide, including the top four companies by sales volume, and GDI shafts continue to be preferred by top clubmakers, worldwide.
The company recently made its entire line of performance enhancing shafts available through its "Shop Direct" program that provides consumers unprecedented convenience in researching and purchasing GDI products via the Internet. Shop Direct offerings include GDI's new Tour AD models, the popular YS-6, YS-7 and YS-Power models, GAT shafts for irons and the recently introduced PM model, played by the 2004 Masters Champion and 2005 PGA Championship winner.
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" among players of all levels, and are commonly referred to as "Ultimate Performance, Proven on Tour."
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 the recently introduced Tour AD line are taking this message to the next level.
For more information about GDI: 888.707.6132, info@gdintl.com , www.gdintl.com .
