Five Top-Eight Finishers at FBR Open Played Graphite Design Shafts

Press Release

Posted 2007-02-27

Graphite Design International ("GDI") - maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver shaft models on the PGA TOUR - today announces its shafts were played by five top-eight finishers and the driving distance leader at the PGA TOUR's FBR Open, according to the Darrell Survey.

Four of the five top-eight performers sported Graphite Design shaft models in their drivers - and that foursome combined to hit over 70 percent of fairways for the week. Graphite Design's Pershing, YS Power and YS Hybrid were among the models employed by the top-eight finishers, who posted an aggregate score of 86-under par while earning more than $1.6 million.

In addition, the driving distance leader at the FBR Open used Graphite Design's YS-6 model to average 313.8 yards off the tee over four rounds. The player also found nearly 68 percent of fairways at the TPC Scottsdale.

"Professionals playing Graphite Design shaft models routinely gather near the top of PGA TOUR leaderboards, and the FBR Open was no exception," said Akio Karashima, CEO of Graphite Design. "While our company's high-performance shafts are favored by the world's best players, Graphite Design shafts can also produce greater accuracy and distance for amateurs of all skill levels and swing profiles."

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.

Graphite Design is the graphite shaftmaker of choice for Hank Haney, coach to the world's top-ranked player. The company recently introduced its G-TECH combination-flex custom clubmaker series of wood and iron shafts, designed for exceptional playability throughout the bag.