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 five top-nine finishers at the Buick Championship used GDI shafts while the company’s YS-6 won the graphite wood shaft model count, according to the Darrell Survey.

The five top-nine finishers utilized a variety of GDI shafts in their drivers and fairway woods, including the YS-6, Purple Ice and Tour AD models. They combined to shoot 37-under-par for the week while earning nearly $900,000 at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn. For a second consecutive week the YS-6 was featured in more woods, 18, than any other graphite shaft model and was also the most-played driver shaft model at the Buick Championship.

“The PGA TOUR is the ultimate proving ground for graphite shafts, and once again GDI models produced outstanding results,” said Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. “The professional or amateur golfer looking to maximize accuracy and distance can achieve these goals with high-performance GDI shafts.”

On the Japan Tour, GDI led the graphite shaft brand count with 156 shafts in play at the UBS Japan Golf Tour Championship, 47 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 117 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.

Media contact:
Daniel Mitchell
Buffalo Communications
253.631.5001
dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com