Graphite Design Continues Japan Tour Dominance at Japan PGA Championship

Graphite Design Continues Japan Tour Dominance at Japan PGA Championship
Press Release

Graphite Design - maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver shaft models on the PGA TOUR - today announces the winner of the Japan PGA Championship played its shaft models while Graphite Design won the graphite wood shaft brand count for the 138th consecutive event on the Japan Tour, according to the Darrell Survey.

The winner utilized Graphite Design shafts in his driver and 3-wood en route to victory, his 17th career triumph on the Japan Tour. Meanwhile, a total of 191 Graphite Design shafts were in play at the Japan PGA Championship, 82 more than the nearest competitor; Graphite Design has led the graphite wood shaft brand count at every Japan Tour event dating to 2002. The company's PT 7 shaft was by far the most popular among the field with 38 in play at Kise Country Club in Okinawa.

"Graphite Design continues to be the shaft of choice on the Japan Tour, one of the world's most competitive professional circuits," said Victor Afable, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Graphite Design. "We are extremely proud of Graphite Design's dominant position and outstanding performance record in Japan, and congratulate this week's winner on his achievement."

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 the Tour AD Quattro Tech ultra-premium shaft in the U.S. and launched its G-TECH combination-flex custom clubmaker series of wood and iron shafts, designed for exceptional playability throughout the bag.