Funai Classic Winner Played GDI Shaft Models in Fairway Woods

Press Release

Posted 2006-10-25

Graphite Design International ("GDI") - maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver shaft models on the PGA TOUR - today announces the winner of the PGA TOUR's Funai Classic at Walt Disney World played GDI shaft models, according to the Darrell Survey.

Using GDI's popular YS-7 shaft in a pair of fairway woods, the winner earned his fourth career victory with a four-round total of 25-under-par 263. A model of consistency, the player fired four consecutive rounds in the 60s, including Sunday's 65, to win by four shots and become the 11th PGA TOUR winner this season to use GDI shafts.

"GDI congratulates this PGA TOUR veteran on his latest victory and we are proud to have played a role," said Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. "Professional golfers recognize that playing GDI models can make a dramatic difference in their performance, and everyday players can gain marked improvement by installing GDI shafts as well."

On the Japan Tour, GDI led the graphite wood shaft brand count with 130 shafts in play at the Bridgestone Open, 50 more than the nearest competitor, while the winner used a GDI shaft model in his driver. GDI shafts have been the most-played brand for 129 straight tournaments on the Japan Tour, an unprecedented streak dating back to 2002.

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.