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 winner and runner-up at the John Deere Classic used GDI shaft models, according to the Darrell Survey.
The winner claimed his first PGA TOUR victory by leading the field in birdies for the week, set up by superb driving. Using GDI’s popular YS-6 model, the winner averaged 301.9 yards off the tee while finding over 73 percent of fairways. The runner-up, playing with GDI’s Tour GAT 75 model in his driver, found over 84 percent of fairways for the week. Each player also used a GDI shaft in a fairway wood throughout the tournament.
In addition, GDI shaft models were in the bags of a fifth-, seventh- and 10th-place finisher at the John Deere Classic, continuing a strong run of recent success for GDI. The YS-6 led the graphite wood shaft model count at each of the previous three PGA TOUR stops.
“Long, straight driving is one of the biggest keys to success on the PGA TOUR, and professionals continually turn to GDI shafts to provide the accuracy and distance needed to succeed,” said Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. “The technology behind GDI’s shafts can help players of all swing profile achieve maximum performance.”
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.
CONTACT:
Daniel Mitchell
Buffalo Communications
253.631.5001
dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com
