SAN DIEGO -- Graphite Design International (“GDI”) — maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver shaft models on the PGA TOUR — today announces that three top-five performers in driving accuracy at the U.S. Open played GDI shafts in their drivers while the winner of the Nationwide Tour’s Knoxville Open used GDI models in all his woods, according to the Darrell Survey.
At the U.S. Open, the three players hit between 64 and 66 percent of fairways at Winged Foot Golf Club, where the setup was considered the most difficult since the 1974 Open contested over the same venue. Accuracy was at a premium during a week when fairways measured just 22 to 28 yards wide and were bordered by thick rough.
On the Nationwide Tour, the Knoxville Classic winner played GDI shafts in three clubs en route to a five-shot victory. The player used GDI’s YS-6 shaft in his driver, the YS-7 in his 3-wood, and the YS-Hybrid shaft in his hybrid club in compiling a 19-under-par total at Fox Den Country Club.
“We are proud that players using GDI shafts found so many fairways at the U.S. Open, golf’s greatest test of accurate driving,” said Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. “As those players and the winner of the Knoxville Open demonstrated, using GDI shafts is a great way to achieve the accuracy and distance needed to excel.”
On the Japan Tour, the winner of the Mandom Lucido Yomiuri Open played GDI shafts in his driver and 3-wood, while GDI led the graphite shaft brand count by a 166-119 margin over 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 115 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
