SAN DIEGO -- Graphite Design International (“GDI”) — maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver shaft models on the PGA TOUR — today announces the company’s YS-6 won the wood shaft model count at the Cialis Western Open, according to the Darrell Survey.

The YS-6 was featured in 15 woods carried by TOUR players at the venerable event, played at the challenging Cog Hill Golf & Country Club No. 4 course in Lemont, Ill. The YS-6 was also the most popular graphite wood shaft model at the Buick Championship and the Booz Allen Classic the previous two weeks. Such success is nothing new for the YS-6 – it was the most-played graphite wood shaft model on the PGA TOUR from 2003-05.

The YS-6 is part of GDI’s YS line of shafts, which includes the YS+ and YS Type II Series. The shafts are available in driver, fairway wood, hybrid and iron models and offer superior feel and performance.

“The YS-6 shaft proves its merits time and again with its use among the world’s best players,” said Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. “The entire YS line – and indeed, all GDI shafts – deliver unmatched distance and accuracy for PGA TOUR players and everyday golfers alike.”

On the Japan Tour, GDI led the graphite shaft brand count with 168 shafts in play at the Woodone Open, 44 more than the nearest competitor. The tournament winner used GDI shafts in his driver and both fairway woods en route to a two-shot victory at 19-under par.

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 118 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