SAN DIEGO -- Graphite Design International (“GDI”) — maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver shaft models on the PGA TOUR — announces that six top-10 finishers at the FedEx St. Jude Classic played GDI shafts, according to the Darrell Survey.
The six players utilized a variety of GDI shaft models in their drivers and fairway woods, including the YS-6, Purple Ice and soon-to-be-released Pershing. With difficult conditions producing unusually high scores at the TPC at Southwind in Memphis, Tenn., each of the six finished the tournament under par; they combined to earn over $1.2 million for the week.
“The success of these players is a testament to the quality of GDI shafts, which produce great results no matter how tough the course or conditions,” says Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. “The power and accuracy advantages built into every GDI shaft can help weekend golfers as much as those who play for a living.”
GDI continued its dominance on the Japan Tour, where the winner and both second-place finishers at the Mitsubishi Diamond Cup played GDI shafts in their drivers and all fairway woods. GDI once again led all shaft manufacturers at the tournament, where 168 GDI shafts were in play – 50 more than the nearest competitor.
Last year, GDI shafts were used by 18 winners on the PGA TOUR and 42 winners worldwide, helping them amass more than $75 million in earnings. They were also played by PGA TOUR leaders in Total Driving (distance plus accuracy), five of the top-10 players in Driving Accuracy Percentage, four of the top-10 money winners, and top-10 players in the World Golf Rankings.
On the Japan Tour, GDI shafts were victorious 16 times in 2005 and have been the most-played brand for a staggering 113 straight tournaments, an unprecedented streak dating back to 2002.
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.
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 and 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.
CONTACT:
Daniel Mitchell
Buffalo Communications
253.631.5001
dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com
