SAN DIEGO -- Graphite Design — maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver-shaft models on the PGA TOUR — today announces that Hank Haney, instructor to many of the world’s best golfers, will endorse the company’s shafts and consult on product testing.

Best known as the coach to the world’s top-ranked golfer, Tiger Woods, Haney will be featured in Graphite Design’s marketing and advertising initiatives, make personal appearances at company events and play Graphite Design shafts in his clubs under the terms of the multi-year agreement.

Ranked the No. 4 teacher in America by Golf Digest, Haney has instructed more than 200 PGA, LPGA, Nationwide, Futures, European, Japanese and Asian Tour players. His students have won every major men’s, women’s and junior tournament in the professional and amateur ranks. Haney is the Dean of Instruction for ESPN Golf Schools and operates four teaching facilities, including the Hank Haney Golf Ranch at Vista Ridge in Lewisville, Texas.

“Graphite Design shafts stand above the crowd in innovation and performance, and I’m proud to represent the company,” said Haney. “I’m a firm believer that quality shafts can help everyday players significantly improve, and Graphite Design’s track record on the professional tours is testament to the game-enhancing benefits its shafts deliver.”

Haney’s long list of honors includes the PGA’s Harvey Penick Award for Teaching Excellence (1984) and PGA Teacher of the Year (1993). He has also been ranked among Golf World’s Top 50 Golf Personalities Worldwide, serves on Golf Digest’s teaching staff and appears regularly on ESPN and ABC golf telecasts.

"Graphite Design is proud to have Hank Haney as a member of our team,” said Megume Yamada, Chairman and CEO of Graphite Design Japan. “Mr. Haney is a man of great integrity, a trait Graphite Design is founded on. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and will prove a tremendous asset to our product development and marketing efforts."

Added Victor Afable, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Graphite Design: “We are thrilled to welcome Hank Haney to the Graphite Design family. Mr. Haney brings tremendous credibility and expertise to the role of spokesperson and consultant. His stature as a teacher and authority on the golf swing makes him an ideal spokesperson for Graphite Design as golfers continue to achieve greater accuracy and distance using Graphite Design shafts.

In 2006, Graphite Design shafts were played by 41 winners of professional tournaments worldwide. Players using Graphite Design shafts amassed more than $90 million in PGA TOUR earnings in 2006 while the company earned more graphite wood-shaft model count victories on the PGA TOUR (16) than any other manufacturer. On the Japan Tour, Graphite Design shafts were in the bags of 18 winners in 2006 while the company extended its win streak in the wood-shaft brand count to 134 consecutive tournaments – an unprecedented string dating to 2002.

About Graphite Design

Graphite Design, 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 Graphite Design shafts continue to be preferred by top clubmakers worldwide. The company’s mainstay YS shafts, the newly-introduced Pershing shafts and other models are extremely popular among avid and occasional golfers.

Revolutionary technology, design and sourcing the most advanced materials are trademarks in all Graphite Design shafts, making them the highest quality performance shafts on the market. Validating the company’s “AD” logo, all of Graphite Design’s PGA Tour-proven shafts specifically promote “Accuracy and Distance” and these key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts.

For more information about Graphite Design: 888.707.6132, info@gdintl.com ; www.gdintl.com.

CONTACT:
Daniel Mitchell
Buffalo Communications
253.631.5001
dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com