Graphite Design International's YS-6 Wins Wood Shaft Model Count at Cialis Western Open

Press Release

Posted 2006-07-18

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.