Graphite Design Shaft Models in Hands of Five Top-Five Finishers at Buick Open

Graphite Design Shaft Models in Hands of Five Top-Five Finishers at Buick Open
Press Release

Graphite Design - maker of some of the most widely played graphite driver shaft models on the PGA TOUR - today announces that five top-five finishers at the PGA TOUR's Buick Open played its shaft models, according to the Darrell Survey. A pair of second-place finishers were among those relying on Graphite Design shafts at the Buick Open. Professionals at the top of the leaderboard counted on a variety of Graphite Design shafts at the venerable event, including the popular Pershing, Purple Ice and YS-Hybrid 85. Two of the top-five finishers used Graphite Design shafts in their drivers, fairway woods and hybrid clubs.

On the Nationwide Tour - where eight winners have played Graphite Design shafts this year - the company's YS-Hybrid 85 was the most-played graphite hybrid shaft model at the Peek'n Peak Classic. Meanwhile, Graphite Design claimed the graphite wood shaft brand count on the Japan Tour for the 143rd consecutive event, with 63 more shafts in play than its nearest competitor. The winner of the UBS Japan Golf Tour Championship carried Graphite Design shafts in his 4-wood and hybrid club.

"The versatility of Graphite Design shafts was again displayed at worldwide professional events this weekend," said Akio Karashima, CEO of Graphite Design. "Professionals looking to match today's high-tech equipment with the ideal shaft consistently choose Graphite Design, which can help any golfer get the most from their woods and hybrids."

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.