Aldila Golf Shafts Leads Count on PGA Tour

'The Hottest Shafts In Golf' wins wood; hybrid shaft counts on PGA and Nationwide Tours

April 19, 2010 -- POWAY, Calif -- Aldila #1 on TourAldila dominated the wood and hybrid shaft manufacturer counts at the Verizon Heritage winning the wood golf shafts count by more than 30 shafts over the next leading manufacturer and the hybrid count by nearly a 2 to 1 margin, according to the Darrell Survey. At the Fresh Express Classic "The Hottest Shafts In Golf" also won both shaft counts claiming the hybrid count by nearly a 2 to 1 margin as well.

At the Verizon Heritage Aldila's shafts ranked first and third in Driving Accuracy. The most accurate driver relied on Aldila's NVS to dial in a 91.1 percent overall Driving Accuracy average. The third place finisher trusted Aldila's RIP and finished with an 80.4 percent. Using Aldila shafts technology the two outshone the field average of 68.05 percent.

Halfway across the globe, Aldila's golf shafts were making a statement on the European Tour as the winner of the Volvo China Open notched his first victory of the season using Aldila's NV® in his Driver. He finished with a 15-under 273 (68-66-68-71) to win by two shots and claim his first win since capturing last year's PGA Championship title.


Factor in all this success and it's no wonder why Aldila continues to be the #1 shaft on Tour with more woods in play and nearly two times as many hybrid shafts in play than any other graphite shaft manufacturer.

"We're very proud to be number one," said Stewart Bahl, Aldila's Marketing Manager. "The primary reason for Aldila's popularity across the professional tours has been the unmatched performance of the technology in the RIP and VooDoo shafts. More and more players are discovering the outstanding accuracy, stability and increased distance that the S-Core Technology provides them consistently with each swing."

Aldila is the leading name in graphite golf shafts: It won golf's Grand Slam in 2009, being the most used wood and hybrid shafts at every Major on the PGA Tour. For two years it has been the most played wood and hybrid shaft at every FedEx Cup Playoff event. Are you playing Aldila golf shafts or just graphite?

Graphite Design Tour AD DI Review

I was simply amazed, and a bit confused as well, after my first swing with the new Tour AD DI graphite shaft by Graphite Design. I didn't know if I should hit another ball or if I should just ever-so-gently put the head cover back on and lovingly push the club back in my bag and go home. Nah, I couldn't resist the urge! Was it just a first swing fluke? Nope! Things even got better through swings 13, 14, and 15 when I was fully warmed-up. It is now very apparent to me why a ton of tour players are switching over to this new shaft!

"The best just got better," I kept thinking to myself on my way home - shaking my head every few minutes still in disbelief. I mean we all know the quality of Graphite Design shafts and we all know that the AD in the Tour AD series stands for "Accuracy and Distance" - but now we get to add a "Deep Impact" (DI) to it. The ball just launched of the face of the club head... but you know what? I was able to have tremendous feel and control! With the mid-bend profile characteristic, I was also able to feel the shaft load and unload (which is something that I personally have been missing with the current shaft in my driver - or I guess I should say the shaft that I HAD in my driver - haha).

From a previous press release sent to me by Graphite Design, Mr. Tak Yamada, VP of Sales & Marketing stated, "We designed this shaft to deliver players to the next level in shaft performance and create an impressive impact on their games and we feel we have succeeded in that mission." And from what I have seen and felt so far with this shaft, I think he is correct, they have succeeded in that mission!

The new Tour AD DI shaft is available in four models: The 50 gram Tour AD DI 5 (R2, R1, and S flexes); The 60 gram Tour AD DI 6 (SR, S, and X flexes); The 70 gram Tour AD DI 7 (S and X flexes); and The 80 gram Tour AD DI 8 (S and X flexes). I was sent the 50gram in regular flex, the 60gram in strong regular flex, and the 70gram in stiff flex. My first outing with the shaft was with my favorite driver head in a 10.5 loft on the regular flex 50 gram shaft. I was so excited about this shaft that later that evening I built up the 60gram strong-regular shaft with my favorite head - but this time in a 9.0 degree loft. Later the next day... Holy Cow Batman! Rocket-Fire straight down the middle and long! I'm not sure it could get any better than that but over the next few weeks I will build up the 70gram stiff shaft just to make sure - but I will have to get back with you later on how that one works out - I think my swing can't handle the extra shaft weight and a stiff flex but I'm going to find out for sure soon!

Anyway, once only available to the tour pros, The Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shafts are now available to the public! If you have been looking for a shaft to take your game to the next level, then I think the Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft is what you have been looking for! To buy the Graphite Design Tour AD DD Shaft visit www.golfshaftsasia.com

Golf Shafts

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The evolution of graphite shafts is one of the most important developments in modern golf equipment.

As technology and materials improve, graphite shafts continue to get lighter and stronger. Just a few years ago, most PGA Tour players wouldn’t even look at graphite driver shafts in the 60-gram range. Mostly they cited durability concerns.

That has changed. Robert Karlsson, for example, played a 64-gram driver shaft in the Masters (Graphite Design Tour AD DI-6TX).

A closer look at the Miyazaki shaft
James Achenbach chats about the Miyazaki shaft, a lightweight alternative gaining traction on tour.
LISTEN TO THIS MIYAZAKI GOLF SHAFT PODCAST

This doesn’t mean all Tour players are sold on the benefits of lighter shafts. At the Masters, Ryo Ishikawa played the same shaft model as Karlsson but used an 88-gram version.

A weight differential of 24 grams might not sound like much, but to avid golfers there is a night-and-day distinction. A heavier shaft can feel like a sledge hammer compared to a lighter one.

The movement toward lighter shafts continues. Mitsubishi Rayon’s 43-gram Bassara shaft has been a hit in Japan and the United States, and Miyazaki is about to crack the 40-gram barrier with a 38-gram shaft.

Many trends in modern golf seem to start in Japan and migrate to the U.S., and shafts are no exception. Japanese shaft brands such as Mitsubishi Rayon, Fujikura, Graphite Design and UST Mamiya are known to many American golfers. Miyazaki, a product of Sumitomo Rubber, is new to the U.S.

With history as our guide, it is fascinating to note the progression from 120- or 130-gram steel shafts to graphite shafts that weigh half as much.

Even heavyweight golfers such as Tiger Woods have gotten the lightweight message.

For the past several years, Woods has used an 83-gram Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana White Board driver shaft. At the Masters, he played with a 75-gram Graphite Design Tour AD DI-7X shaft. That’s a 10 percent weight reduction for the world No. 1.

Check out more about golf shafts from golfshaftsasia.com

Graphite Design Announces The Winner of the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am Plays Graphite Design Shafts

SAN DIEGO, CA – April 23, 2010 – Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, announced today that the winner of the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am uses Graphite Design Purple Ice shafts in his driver and three wood.

“Our shafts are being used by a growing number of professionals on all Tours,” said Mr. Tak Yamada, VP of Sales and Marketing, Graphite Design. “We congratulate the winner of the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am and are pleased that he has opted to play our shafts. His win helps validate the advanced technology and performance benefits of all our shafts.”

The champion shot an impressive 9-under 133 on the TPC Tampa Bay Golf Course, ranked by Golf World as the 13th Best Public Golf Facility in the US. His one stroke lead from Saturday clinched the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am as play on Sunday was cancelled due to heavy rains. The champion is currently second in the Charles Schwab Cup standings for 2010.

Graphite Design’s Tour AD brand of shafts accounts for over 75% of all Graphite Design shafts used on professional Tours in the United States and the company’s new Tour AD DI shafts account for over 30% of all Graphite Design Tour AD Shafts used on the PGA Tour. The company's Tour AD logo is featured on all of Graphite Design's PGA Tour-proven shafts to specifically promote "Accuracy and Distance" and these key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts.

Graphite Design International manufactures the highest quality shafts in the world for Pure Distance and Perfect Accuracy. Graphite Design shafts can be seen in play by the best professional players on the PGA, Nationwide, Champions, Japan, European and LPGA tours. Graphite Design shafts reinforced its dominance on the Japan Tour, where it has claimed 163 consecutive graphite wood shaft brand counts -- an unprecedented streak which dates to 2003. On the PGA Tour, Graphite Design shafts have helped professionals earn 64 victories since 2004 and millions of dollars in prize money. A total of 8 US distributors and 5 European and Asian distributors supply Graphite Design shafts to over 1000 custom fitters around the world.

Aldila announces dominating shaft counts at Verizon Heritage

POWAY, Calif. -- Aldila dominated the wood and hybrid shaft manufacturer counts at the Verizon Heritage winning the wood shaft count by more than 30 shafts over the next leading manufacturer and the hybrid count by nearly a 2 to 1 margin, according to the Darrell Survey. At the Fresh Express Classic "The Hottest Shafts In Golf" also won both shaft counts claiming the hybrid count by nearly a 2 to 1 margin as well.

At the Verizon Heritage Aldila's shafts ranked first and third in Driving Accuracy. The most accurate driver relied on Aldila's NVS to dial in a 91.1 percent overall Driving Accuracy average. The third place finisher trusted Aldila's RIP and finished with an 80.4 percent. Using Aldila's technology the two outshone the field average of 68.05 percent.

Halfway across the globe, Aldila's shafts were making a statement on the European Tour as the winner of the Volvo China Open notched his first victory of the season using Aldila's NV® in his Driver. He finished with a 15-under 273 (68-66-68-71) to win by two shots and claim his first win since capturing last year's PGA Championship title.

Factor in all this success and it's no wonder why Aldila continues to be the #1 shaft on Tour with more woods in play and nearly two times as many hybrid shafts in play than any other graphite shaft manufacturer.

"We're very proud to be number one," said Stewart Bahl, Aldila's Marketing Manager. "The primary reason for Aldila's popularity across the professional tours has been the unmatched performance of the technology in the RIP and VooDoo shafts. More and more players are discovering the outstanding accuracy, stability and increased distance that the S-Core Technology™ provides them consistently with each swing."

Aldila is the leading name in graphite golf shafts: It won golf's Grand Slam in 2009, being the most used wood and hybrid shafts at every Major on the PGA Tour. For two years it has been the most played wood and hybrid shaft at every FedEx Cup Playoff event. Are you playing Aldila or just graphite?

Graphite Design reports on growth of Tour AD DI shafts on Tour

SAN DIEGO -- Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, announced that it's newly introduced Tour AD DI shafts now account for over 30% of all Graphite Design Tour AD Shafts used on the PGA Tour.

Designed to provide more power and stability, the Tour AD DI shaft, manufactured exclusively at Graphite Design Japan, has been integrated with Toray Company's new Nanomaterial technology in the tip section of the shaft. This unique tip technology creates optimal launch and spin conditions to produce increased accuracy and distance. The shaft made its debut on the major Tours in the fall of 2009 and as the Darrell Survey statistics show, it has already been put in play in competition by numerous professional golfers on all Tours. Tour players have been impressed by the fact that when using the Tour AD DI shaft they can increase ball speed and accuracy without giving up distance.

"We are extremely pleased with the number of PGA Tour professionals who have put the new Tour AD DI shafts into play," said Mr. Tak Yamada, VP of Sales & Marketing, Graphite Design. "We designed this shaft to deliver players to the next level in shaft performance and create an impressive impact on their games and we feel we have succeeded in that mission. We're looking forward to having more players on all professional Tours use the Tour AD DI shaft as the 2010 season progresses."

The mid bend profile of the Tour AD DI allows the player to load the shaft properly, yet maintains a firm enough tip section through impact, producing optimal spin and launch conditions. Golfers using the shaft will experience the feel of the ball leaving the club head with a lot of speed while maintaining exceptional feel and control.

The Tour AD DI shaft carries the Tour AD moniker which stands for Tour Accuracy and Distance and has long been known for high quality and superior performance. This is represented by the company's success that has been documented by professionals and amateurs alike. Graphite Design is the most dominant shaft on the JPGA Tour and has been for the past seven years.

The new Tour AD DI shaft is available in four models: The 50 gram Tour AD DI 5 (R2, R1, and S flexes); The 60 gram Tour AD DI 6 (SR, S, and X flexes); The 70 gram Tour AD DI 7 (S and X flexes); and The 80 gram Tour AD DI 8 (S and X flexes).

Graphite Design International manufactures the highest quality shafts in the world for Pure Distance and Perfect Accuracy. Graphite Design shafts can be seen in play by the best professional players on the PGA, Nationwide, Champions, Japan, European and LPGA tours. Graphite Design shafts reinforced its dominance on the Japan Tour, where it has claimed 163 consecutive graphite wood shaft brand counts -- an unprecedented streak which dates to 2003. On the PGA Tour, Graphite Design shafts have helped professionals earn 64 victories since 2004 and millions of dollars in prize money. A total of 8 US distributors and 5 European and Asian distributors supply Graphite Design shafts to over 1000 custom fitters around the world.

About Graphite Design
Graphite Design, established in Japan in 1989 and in the U.S. in 1997, is the industry leader in shaft technology and the preferred brand for golf professionals worldwide. One of the world's three largest golf-club shaft manufacturers, the company made its mark manufacturing premium shafts for most of golf's major OEMs, including the top four companies by sales volume. Graphite Design shafts continue to be preferred by top club makers the world over while the company's mainstay YS shafts, Pershing shafts and other models are extremely popular among avid and occasional golfers.

Revolutionary technology, design and sourcing the most advanced materials are trademarks in all Graphite Design shafts, making them the highest quality performance shafts on the market. Validating the company's "AD" logo, all of Graphite Design's PGA Tour-proven shafts specifically promote "Accuracy and Distance" and these key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts. For more information about Graphite Design, call 888.707.6132, e-mail info@gdintl.com, or visit www.gdintl.com.

For media inquiries about Graphite Design please contact Tracy Nackel at 760-420-1602 / tnackel@cox.net or Vanessa Price at 714-544-6515 / readthegreens@aol.com.

Madeira Islands Open Champ Plays A Graphite Design Tour AD MD Shaft

SAN DIEGO, CA – April 15, 2010 – Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, announced today that the winner of the European Tour Madeira Islands Open BPI - Portugal uses a Graphite Design Tour AD MD 6X shaft in his driver.

“This is the winner’s first European Tour title and we congratulate him on his victory,” said Mr. Tak Yamada, VP of Sales and Marketing, Graphite Design. “This victory was a huge step forward in his career and earned him his playing card for next year. We’re very pleased that he is playing our shaft and we wish him continued success throughout the year.”

Graphite Design’s Tour AD brand of shafts accounts for over 75% of all Graphite Design shafts used on professional Tours in the United States. The company's Tour AD logo is featured on all of Graphite Design's PGA Tour-proven shafts to specifically promote "Accuracy and Distance" and these key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts.

Graphite Design International manufactures the highest quality shafts in the world for Pure Distance and Perfect Accuracy. Graphite Design shafts can be seen in play by the best professional players on the PGA, Nationwide, Champions, Japan, European and LPGA tours. Graphite Design shafts reinforced its dominance on the Japan Tour, where it has claimed 163 consecutive graphite wood shaft brand counts -- an unprecedented streak which dates to 2003. On the PGA Tour, Graphite Design shafts have helped professionals earn 64 victories since 2004 and millions of dollars in prize money. A total of 8 US distributors and 5 European and Asian distributors supply Graphite Design shafts to over 1000 custom fitters around the world.

About Graphite Design

Graphite Design, established in Japan in 1989 and in the U.S. in 1997, is the industry leader in shaft technology and the preferred brand for golf professionals worldwide. One of the world’s three largest golf-club shaft manufacturers, the company made its mark manufacturing premium shafts for most of golf’s major OEMs, including the top four companies by sales volume. Graphite Design shafts continue to be preferred by top club makers the world over while the company’s mainstay YS shafts, Pershing shafts and other models are extremely popular among avid and occasional golfers.

Revolutionary technology, design and sourcing the most advanced materials are trademarks in all Graphite Design shafts, making them the highest quality performance shafts on the market. Validating the company's "AD" logo, all of Graphite Design's PGA Tour-proven shafts specifically promote "Accuracy and Distance" and these key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts. For more information about Graphite Design, visit www.golfshaftsasia.com

International golf facility planned for Malaysia

WASHINGTON: Malaysia could soon be on the international golf circuit with plans to develop a PGA TOUR TPC facility in the country.

PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem discussed the possibility of developing the TPC (Tournament Players Club) facility during a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here on Wednesday.

The discussions centred on ways to work together to explore areas in which TOUR can use its experience and expertise in Malaysia and the region to advance certain golf-related programmes and initiatives.

Finchem had made a special trip from Florida to Washington to meet the Prime Minister who is on a one-week working visit to the United States.

The discussion touched on several areas of cooperation, including the development of the TPC facility in Malaysia, which would feature on-site PGA TOUR Academy, elite player training and grassroots development of golf in Malaysia.

In a statement released here the same day, the PGA said the academy would help attract high-income tourists to Malaysia, further development of an elite level training for the country’s top and emerging golfers as well as to assist in the development of the game.

Also discussed were opportunities to develop a nationwide programme to teach life skills through golf, provide significant access for players new to the game and expose underprivileged Malaysians to go through municipal and short course development and training programmes for schools and life coaches.

Najib said Malaysia was rapidly emerging as Asia’s leading golf destination, with over 200 golf courses around the country.

“Our intention is to elevate the standard of professional golf and golf itself in Malaysia to new heights working with the leading TOUR in the world,” he added.

Najib also emphasised the opportunities that a close working relationship could provide in the development of a long-term and sustainable programme aimed at creating a pool of world class players in Malaysia.

In November last year, Najib officially launched and announced the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia which will be held at the MINES Resort in October this year.

The tournament, which will feature an international field of 40 players competing for a US$6mil prize purse, is the first to be sanctioned by the PGA TOUR in Southeast Asia.

Dynamic Gold announces sweep of top five at Shell Houston Open

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Delivering steadfast consistency shot after shot, Dynamic Gold shafts by True Temper once again took first place at the Shell Houston Open and swept all Top Five money positions. The victory was the 12th of the 2010 PGA TOUR season for True Temper shafts, and an irrefutable illustration of Dynamic Gold's performance-based popularity on tour.

Playing with a thumb injury that will require surgery, the 24-year-old champion of the Shell Houston Open trusted Dynamic Gold shafts to win was his first victory since 2008 and vaulted him to second in the FedEx Cup standings. In overall tournament shaft counts, True Temper fielded 123 sets of irons at the Shell Houston Open, while the nearest competitor had only 10 in play.


"Consistency in your irons is essential, and having a golf shaft that delivers the ultimate in performance with every shot is why professionals turn to Dynamic Gold time and time again," says Scott Hennessy, president and CEO of True Temper Sports. "We work very closely with the players on all the world tours to ensure that our shaft designs deliver the desired results in accuracy, launch angles, feel and distance. The official shaft counts each week clearly show that True Temper shafts are the preferred choice by the world's best players. In fact, the season is just getting started and already True Temper shafts have won 12 tournaments on the PGA TOUR. We are very proud of the winning edge we bring to the game of professional and amateur golfers alike."

Designed and engineered by the number one shaft manufacturer in golf, Dynamic Gold shafts are preferred by skilled players seeking a low, penetrating ball flight. Dynamic Gold features an internal tip reinforcement technology and the shaft has remained a cornerstone for all True Temper's top-performing brands. Dynamic Gold shafts are available in tapered and parallel irons and parallel woods.

Fujikura captures shaft brand counts at two recent tournaments

VISTA, Calif. -- Fujikura was the #1 Wood Shaft Brand count at the First LPGA Major of the year, the Kraft Nabisco Open.

The winner of the Kraft Nabisco Open trusted the Fujikura Motore F1 in her Driver, Rombax W in her 3 Wood and Fujikura Hybrid Shafts in both of her Hybrids. Fujikura was also the #1 Driver Shaft Brand at the Shell Houston Open with the Motore F1 being the most popular brand.

"It is always great to see Fujikura shafts are trusted by so many professional golfers on all tours world wide," says Pat McCoy, Director of Technical Services at Fujikura. "These pros continually give us the necessary feedback we need to develop the most technically advanced shafts and provide them with the best feeling products possible."


The Motore F1 features our H.I.T. Technology stores energy during the downswing and releases the energy just before impact while maintaining stability. Our "smart-shaping" of the tip enables these benefits while minimizing weight, allowing the tip end to accelerate faster. The Motore F1, along with our full line of shafts, is available now through Fujikura's Charter Dealers across the United States and around the world.

Fujikura is the primary supplier to many national club brands offering both proprietary and brand product shaft designs. Fujikura products also can be custom fitted through its network of over 900 Charter Dealers. To learn more about Fujikura, visit www.golfshaftsasia.com

Tiger Woods' Graphite Design Tour AD DI Golf Shaft

Tiger Woods switched drivers before launching his return to competitive golf at the Masters.


Woods is now using a 9.5-degree Nike VR Tour driver with a Graphite Design Tour AD DI-7X shaft. After 36 holes, he stands at 6-under 138, two back of leaders Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.
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The official driving distance average for Woods through two rounds is 287.25 yards, but it is his accuracy that has turned a few heads. Woods finished 83rd in driving accuracy on the 2009 PGA Tour with a 64.29 fairway percentage. Here at the Masters, he has hit 20 of 29 fairways for a 71.43 percentage.


Credit fellow player Charles Howell III with orchestrating this driver change. In March, Howell and Woods were engaged in a friendly round at Isleworth Golf and Country Club in Windermere, Fla., where both live.

Woods, impressed with Howell's tee shots, asked him if he could hit his driver. The rest is recent history.

Graphite Design shipped 10 of the Tour AD DI shafts to Nike's design and tour facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Woods showed up here with two VR Tour drivers, each with a DI-7X shaft.

The length of the driver is believed to be 44.75 inches, although Tiger and his camp have yet to talk about the new club. According to reliable sources, the two drivers were constructed at 44.75 and 45 inches in length.


The eye-catching shaft is mostly a burnt orange color, with cosmetic bands of orange, green and white. It weighs 75 grams and is an X flex.

The Tour AD DI is a mid-kick shaft that is manufactured in weights varying from 54 to 85 grams. It became available in March, with a suggested retail price of $380.

According to touring pro Arjun Atwal, who played several rounds with Woods at Isleworth, Woods was just bombing the ball in preparation for the Masters.

In 2008 and 2009, Woods was a regular user of Mitsubishi Rayons Diamana White Board driver shaft, weighing 83 grams. He still uses 103-gram Diamana Blue Board shafts in his 3-wood and 5-wood.



The Nike VR Tour driver head used by Woods has been measured by the U.S. Golf Association at 420 CCs in size, although it looks smaller. In 2009, Woods experienced most of his success with a Nike SQ Dymo 380 prototype driver (10.5 degrees).

Woods has another new club in his bag for the Masters. He used a Nike SV Tour 60-degree lob wedge throughout 2009, but has substituted a 62-degree VR lob wedge here.

Through 36 holes, Woods has hit 26 greens in regulation, ranking among the top 10 in that category. However, he has totaled 59 putts, barely cracking the top 50.

No worries about the driver, though.

Reigning Masters Champ and longest driver on PGA Tour relies on Aldila's RIP

'The Hottest Shafts In Golf' wins wood; hybrid shaft counts at Shell Houston Open

POWAY, Calif. – As all eyes turn towards Augusta this week, the reigning Masters Tournament Champion currently leads the PGA Tour in driving distance with the help of Aldila's latest shaft technology, the RIP®, in his Driver. Playing Aldila's shafts in his Driver and 3 Wood last year at Augusta was instrumental for the defending champion to be the only player to post scores under 70 for the first two rounds. This season he heads into the Masters leading the distance category with a 302.1-yard average off the tee.


"RIP is Aldila's latest shaft technology that provides a lower torque, increased tip stability and better tip stiffness control," said Stewart Bahl, Aldila's Marketing Manager. "After very successful testing on Tour with multiple wins, the RIP will soon be introduced through leading club manufacturers." The highly sought after RIP was key to helping "The Hottest Shafts In Golf" win the woods and hybrids shaft manufacturer counts at the Shell Houston Open this past week, according to the Darrell Survey. By winning both the woods and the hybrids counts for the past two weeks on the PGA Tour Aldila maintains its status as the #1 shaft on Tour. Aldila's leading shaft, the VooDoo® featuring their patent pending S-core Technology™, helped the second place finisher at the Shell Houston Open drive his way to his best finish of the season.

Using the VooDoo in his Driver, 3 and 4 Woods, he finished the tournament tied for first in greens in regulation with an 84.7 percent. He tied for 25th in driving accuracy with 62.5 percent and 26th in driving distance with a 294.6-yard average. The VooDoo's stabilized core is designed to maximize energy transfer to the golf ball, yielding unparalleled distance and accuracy with each swing. It's designed with a high modulus carbon stabilization rib that runs the length of the shaft, which keeps it more concentric, preventing shaft ovaling, deformation and wasted energy during the golf swing. Aldila is the leading name in graphite golf shafts: It won golf's Grand Slam in 2009, being the most used wood and hybrid shafts at every Major on the PGA Tour. For two years it has been the most played wood and hybrid shaft at every FedEx Cup Playoff event. Are you playing Aldila or just graphite?

Find out more about Aldila golf shafts at Golf Shafts Asia

Tiger Tries Graphite Design Tour AD DI

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tiger Woods played last season using a Nike Dymo Tour driver with a Mitsubishi Diamana White Board 83x shaft, but on Monday at Augusta National he carried a second driver in his bag.

Under his famous tiger headcover, affectionately known as Frank, was a Nike Victory Red Tour driver with a Graphite Design Tour AD DI series shaft.

Tiger didn't drive the ball especially well at Augusta on Monday, sending drives well left of his target on the first, third, fifth, and 10th fairways. It should be interesting to see whether the club stays in his bag this week or if he reverts back to the Dymo on Thursday morning.

On another Tiger equipment front, there were rumors swirling through the Internet that he might come to Augusta using a Nike Method putter. Stewart Cink and Lucas Glover use one, as do Paul Casey and Michelle Wie. The rumors turned out to be false; Woods played his practice round Monday using the same Titleist by Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter that he's been using for years.

Read more: http://blogs.golf.com/equipment/2010/04/tiger-woods-2010-masters-equipment.html#ixzz0kK3nzGPF

Aldila Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2009 Financial Results

POWAY, CA, Mar 11, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- ALDILA, INC. (OTCQX: ALDA) announced today net sales of $14.7 million and net income of $1.0 million ($0.19 income per share) for the three months ended December 31, 2009. In the comparable 2008 fourth quarter, the Company had net sales of $11.5 million and a net loss of $1.3 million ($0.26 loss per share). For the year ended December 31, 2009, net sales were $49.8 million and a net loss of $243,000 ($0.05 loss per share) as compared to net sales of $53.6 million and a net loss of $2.5 million ($0.48 loss per share) for the year ended December 31, 2008.

"Our golf sales rose 21% in the fourth quarter of 2009 versus the fourth quarter of 2008 on a 20% increase in golf units shipped. Our average selling price was flat for the quarter. The Company benefited by a positive mix change during the quarter. This positive mix change coupled with increased manufacturing efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs were contributors that drove increases in gross profit and gross margins during the fourth quarter 2009 versus the fourth quarter of 2008. During the fourth quarter we saw the positive effects of our reduced manufacturing cost structure after the closing of our Mexico factory and the increase in production volumes running through our two Asian facilities. Our Composite Materials business continued to gain strength during the fourth quarter of 2009 with sales increasing by 76% versus the comparable quarter last year," said Mr. Peter R. Mathewson, Chairman of the Board & CEO.

"In the fourth quarter we experienced a steady increase in business activity. Golf shipments and incoming orders were strong. Our golf customers appear cautiously optimistic that 2010 will be somewhat of a recovery year and we are certainly seeing OEMs returning to historical ordering patterns at this time. This has been fueled by relatively low inventory levels in the distribution channels and a broad array of new product offerings. Initial retail 'sell in' appears to be good; however, the uncertainty lies with the 'sell through.' It is dependent on the mindset of the golf consumer and whether they return to purchasing new clubs in enough numbers to continue to pull the product through the channels," said Mr. Mathewson.

"While 2009 was as challenging a year as any of us can remember we are pleased with our results as we certainly fared better than most in our industry. During the year we had two notable achievements; we grew our market share and we finished the year as the number one wood shaft manufacturer on the PGA and Nationwide Tours. Our golf sales were off 7% for the year ended 2009 as compared to 2008 on a decrease of golf shaft units shipped of 6%. Our average selling price decreased by 2% for the year ended 2009 as compared to 2008. Our Composite Materials sales decreased by 6% for the year ended 2009 as compared to 2008. Our ending backlog as of December 31, 2009 was $10.6 million as compared to $8.6 million as of December 31, 2008," Mr. Mathewson said.

"We had a tight control on our spending during the year and reduced our selling, general and administrative expense by 20% for the year ended 2009 as compared to 2008, which helped us to pay down our debt by $4.7 million during 2009. We will maintain tight cost controls in 2010 as well and anticipate annual savings of $400,000 - $500,000 moving the Company's stock listing from NASDAQ to the OTCQX Premier, with the Company no longer being an SEC registrant. The savings will primarily come from a reduction in corporate expense associated with being a public company," said Mr. Mathewson.

"Aldila enjoyed a tremendous year on the professional tours during 2009. We won the Grand Slam of Shafts by winning the wood and hybrid shaft count at every major championship. In addition, Aldila was the most popular wood and hybrid shaft at every World Golf Championship event and, for the second year in a row, the leading wood and hybrid shaft at every FedEx Cup Playoff Event. We had more total wood shafts in play on the PGA Tour than any other graphite shaft manufacturer and nearly twice as many hybrid shafts in play according to the Darrell Survey Company. The Aldila NV(R), VS Proto(TM) and DVS(R) shafts continue to be very popular on Tour as does our latest offering, the VooDoo(R), which continues to be among the top shafts in play each week. The new Aldila RIP(TM) also continues to grow in popularity and has already been used to win multiple events," Mr. Mathewson said.

"In January at the PGA Merchandise Show, we launched our new NV VooDoo(R) and VooDoo(R) hybrid shafts. The new NV VooDoo(R) has the same ball flight and characteristics which made the NV(R) one of the most successful shafts in history, with our new S-core Technology(TM) to even further enhance performance. We also unveiled our new En Fuego(TM) Series of shafts, which consist of Wasabi(TM), Habanero(TM) and Serrano(TM), which are all designed with higher balance points to maximize the performance of today's modern club designs. Each shaft in the series offers a different launch profile and incorporates our patent-pending Micro Laminate Technology(R) for optimum feel. Each of these new shaft offerings are being used in major club manufacturer product options in both stock and custom configurations. Later this year, we will also be launching our new RIP(TM) shaft. The RIP(TM) incorporates our new patent-pending RIP Technology and is already enjoying considerable success on Tour. There is strong interest in it for new club programs among our OEM partners. We believe the RIP(TM) will be another great platform offering a new unique technology which we can use to build a full range of products," said Mr. Mathewson.

Aldila will host a conference call at 5 P.M. Eastern Time, on March 11, 2010, with Peter R. Mathewson, Chairman & CEO, Robert J. Cierzan, Senior Vice President, Composite Materials and Scott M. Bier, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, to review Aldila's 2009 fourth quarter and year end financial results. For telephone access to the conference call dial 1-866-290-0883 or 1-913-312-0650 for international calls and request connection to the Aldila conference call, Participant Passcode: 9874475. A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the Aldila website at http://www.aldila.com. An archive of the webcast will be available through our website for 90 days following the conference call.

UST Mamiya Golf Shafts reports experiencing worldwide Tour success in 2010

FORT WORTH, Texas -- UST Mamiya - maker of the world's finest carbon-fiber golf shafts - has experienced tremendous success globally in 2010, helping PGA, European PGA, Nationwide and European Senior PGA Tour players earn victories.

The wins have come on North American, Asian and Australian soil, augmented by several runner-up and top-10 finishes. A true international presence in the golf industry, UST Mamiya works closely with players on all Tours to assure they reap optimal benefits from their equipment.

"UST Mamiya shafts cross all borders and are preferred by many of the world's most decorated players," says Gene Simpson, COO of UST Mamiya. "Already in 2010 we secured four victories on the PGA TOUR and several others abroad with momentum that shows no signs of slowing."

Most recently, the winner of the Senior European PGA Tour's Chang Thailand Senior Masters used the UST Mamiya Proforce AXIVCore Blue model - 59 gram, stiff flex - in his driver and 3-wood and a 69-gram version in his 5-wood.

In total, these champions have earned more than $6 million to date this year and consistently rank among the elite in the statistical categories associated with driving performance.

Likened to the precision of automaker Lexus, all UST Mamiya carbon-fiber shafts are unrivaled in quality attributed to world-class engineering, premium-selected raw materials and handcrafted, repeatable production techniques. Tight tolerances, constant taper design and low-resin content enhance feel during the golf swing.

Stewart Cink, a long-time user of UST Mamiya shafts and winner of the 2009 British Open, plays the company's ATTAS shaft in his driver and two fairway woods.

UST Mamiya produces 35 shaft models within the ATTAS and Proforce product lines:

• ATTAS - Introduced in Japan in early 2009 and in North America late last year, this premium shaft was immediately adopted by Tour players globally. Innovatively engineered with smooth-bending properties throughout the shaft's constant taper design, more energy is transferred to the ball for instant feedback with greater distance. Ultra-thin carbon fibers optimize feel and allow the shaft to maintain its shape for consistent, accurate shots. ATTAS is distinguished by its tri-color look, notably its atomic orange.

• Proforce - Famous for its bright gold color and contributing to multiple major-tournament victories, Proforce shafts have been UST Mamiya's flagship since winning the 1999 Masters. The V2 incorporates the company's original "tip technology," masterfully balancing torque, weight, spin and launch angle for extraordinary power off the tee. The latest in the Proforce series, the AXIVCore features four-axis material promoting stability, control and ease of swing for increased ball speed.

About UST Mamiya
Since 1991, UST Mamiya graphite golf shafts are favored by recreational and competitive golfers worldwide. In 2009, UST (U.S.) and its parent company, Mamiya-OP (Japan), combined operations, including research, development, production and materials-sourcing talents. Distributed in 30-plus countries, UST Mamiya provides shafts to consumers, retailers, club-fitters and original equipment manufacturers Adams, Bridgestone, Callaway, Cleveland, Cobra, Mizuno, Nike, PING, Taylor Made, Titleist, Wilson and more. Company R&D and manufacturing facilities are in the U.S., Japan, China and Bangladesh. UST Mamiya advisory staff includes renowned instructors among GOLF Magazine's "Top 100" and at Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses."

High Definition Golf™ Introduces Revolutionary Shaft Flex Measurement System

This new module uses advanced computer vision technology to make a comprehensive series of highly accurate shaft measurements in “real-time.” As a result, club manufacturers and clubfitters will be able to let their customers test and compare a variety of golf clubs and shafts with new confidence. The system in turn will generate a detailed report that can be viewed on screen, printed or emailed to the customer for their personal records.

This cost-effective module is easy-to-use and integrates seamlessly into the HDG simulator and provides an extensive series of measurements that were never before available. The shaft flex module will measure overall shaft flex, shaft flex profile, club head acceleration, position of maximum club head speed, angle of attack and load factor.

High Definition Golf pioneered computer vision technology in the golf simulator industry and continues to provide its customers with the most comprehensive and precise shot analysis in the industry today. HDG has the unique capability to measure all critical ball and club parameters including: ball speed, club speed, launch angle, club face angle, ball spin and spin axis with extreme accuracy and continues to be the simulator of choice for PGA professionals and amateurs alike.

“We really listened to our customers while designing this product. We took into account their needs and day to day challenges and then built a solution that would be easy-to-use and fast, yet provide a series of comprehensive measurements, that would ultimately improve the quality of service they provide to their customers,” said Todd Richardson, President and CEO of High Definition Golf. “It was really a natural progression for us and we think of it as closing the loop on ball and club measurements.”

About High Definition Golf

High Definition Golf™ (HDgolf.com), the world's most amazing golf simulator, sets a new standard in accuracy and realism for indoor golf. HDG™ is the only golf simulator that looks and plays like the real thing. Spectacular photo-realistic capabilities capture the true beauty of some of the world's most renowned golf courses including: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pinehurst, Kiawah Island, Spyglass Hill, Doral, Harbour Town, Troon North, Bethpage, Banff Springs and many others. Revolutionary image processing software combines high resolution digital imagery and satellite data into 3D models of golf courses that not only look real - they are completely accurate everywhere on the course. Every tree, bunker and hazard is faithfully reproduced exactly as you would see it playing the actual course! This has made HDG a favorite in luxury homes, indoor golf centers, golf course clubhouses, recreation centers, luxury hotels & resorts.

Aerotech Golf's SteelFiber shafts score another top-five finish

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Aerotech Golf, an industry leader in innovative composite shaft technology, announces that its SteelFiber composite iron shafts were among the Top Three earners at the 2010 WGC-CA Championship at the TPC Blue Monster at Doral in Miami, Fl . The third-place finisher played Aerotech SteelFiber i95 taper tip constant weight shafts in his irons, and was the highest finishing American golfer in the field.

SteelFiber composite shafts are one of golf's most innovative shaft designs and the WGA-CA was Aerotech's third Top-Five finish of the 2010 PGA TOUR season. Unlike any other shaft design on the market, SteelFiber shafts feature composite engineering that combines a high-modulus graphite core with 59 miles of steel fiber lacing the shaft surface.

"So far this PGA season, Aerotech shafts have placed in the Top Five in one out of every four PGA events, and we're very excited to see SteelFiber's consistent performance being so clearly demonstrated at the highest level of the game. Unlike conventional graphite shafts, SteelFiber shafts feature a composite technology that delivers benefits of both steel and graphite. It's a perfect blend of power and stability," says Aerotech Golf President Chris Hilleary.

SteelFiber shafts feature a high-modulus graphite core and nearly 60 miles of steel fiber covering the surface of each shaft, providing golfers with the power of graphite and the stability of steel. The shaft's graphite core provides vibration dampening, increased clubhead speed and maximum distance, while the steel fibers produce a optimum weighting for a solid feel at impact and add stability and control for pinpoint accuracy.

Aerotech Golf specializes in uniquely engineered, performance-enhancing golf shafts, and has supplied shafts to such renowned golf club manufactures as Cleveland Golf, Adams Golf, Fenwick, Srixon, Lynx, Zevo and Pure Spin among many others.

Headquartered in Bellingham, Wash., Aerotech Golf designs and manufactures high-performance golf shafts, including the award-winning SteelFiber, Claymore, PowerCoil and Players Spec brands. For more information about Aerotech Golf shafts, call 888.733.8988 or visit http://www.aerotechgolfshafts.com.

Project X and Dynamic Gold Shafts Tag Tour Wins

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Shafts designed and manufactured by True Temper topped the money list on three tours this weekend, scoring victories at the PGA Tour's Honda Classic and the European and Asian Tours' Maybank Malaysian Open.

This year's Honda Classic champion played high-performance Project X Flighted shafts in his irons to earn a T2 ranking in Greens in Regulation (73.6%) and to shoot an impressive 65 birdies in his last 14 rounds, earning him first place in birdies. Additionally, Project X steel and graphite shafts were in the bag of the number three finisher who shot the lowest round at The Honda Classic.

Dynamic Gold shafts — which are the top-selling shafts in golf - performed no less admirably at the Malaysian Open, delivering a 14-under-par victory (69-70-67-68) for the 18-year-old pro.

"When you look at the numbers — 125 sets in play at the Honda Classic and eight sets among the top 10 finishers—there is no doubt Dynamic Gold and Project X are preferred by the best players in golf," says Chad Hall, director of product marketing and global tour operations for True Temper Sports. "Dynamic Gold and Project X brands continue to be clear favorites among the professional players around the world because they deliver accuracy and distance more consistently than any other steel shafts in golf."

The Number One shaft manufacturer in the world, True Temper Sports has delivered hundreds of professional tour victories around the world, and True Temper shafts, such as Dynamic Gold and Project X, continue to dominate the PGA TOUR week after week. Dynamic Gold shafts feature a high-flex, tour weight design that generates a low, penetrating ball flight. The straight taper and short tip section of the Project X iron shafts provides maximum energy transfer with low spin rates required for penetrating iron shots. By combing this design platform with eight premium graphite materials, the Project X wood and hybrid shafts are quickly becoming known as the lowest spinning graphite shafts available.

Dynamic Gold Wins Phoenix Open and Panama Claro Championship

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Delivering accuracy and consistency, Dynamic Gold shafts by True Temper scored double victories for the second weekend in a row. True Temper won both the Waste Management Phoenix Open on the PGA TOUR and the Panama Claro Championship on the Nationwide Tour.

The Phoenix Open champion played Dynamic Gold shafts to capture his second career PGA TOUR victory and moved into sixth-place in the FedEx Cup standings. Overall, True Temper dominated the shaft count at the desert tournament with 125 sets in play and was played by nine of the top 10 finishers.

Meanwhile, this week's Nationwide Tour winner trusted Dynamic Gold shafts in his irons to win the Panama Claro Championship, his fourth Nationwide Tour victory.

"For 2010, True Temper shafts have certainly lived up to their winning legacy with seven out of eight PGA Tour victories and a four-week winning streak for Dynamic Gold," Scott Hennessy, president and CEO of True Temper Sports says. "Week after week, the shaft counts illustrate that players rely upon True Temper shafts more than any other brand. Dynamic Gold is one of our cornerstone brands, and is favored among tour players for its internal tip reinforcement technology which delivers distance control and tournament-winning accuracy in irons."

The top-selling shaft in golf, Dynamic Gold is preferred by skilled players seeking a low, penetrating ball flight. Dynamic Gold has earned world-renown respect as the winningest shafts in the history of the game. Dynamic Gold shafts are available in tapered and parallel irons and parallel woods.

For more information on True Temper Sports or True Temper shafts, visit www.TrueTemper.com. True Temper can also be found on Facebook at facebook.truetemper.com.

The leading manufacturer of golf shafts in the world, True Temper Sports is consistently the number one shaft on all professional tours globally. The company markets a complete line of shafts under the True Temper®, Grafalloy® and Project X® shaft brands, and sells these brands in more than 30 countries throughout the world. True Temper Sports is proudly represented by more than 800 individuals in ten facilities located in the United States, Europe, Japan, China and Australia. For more information, visit www.truetemper.com or www.golfshaftsasia.com