195 replies to this topic

[pitbull808]

Just spoke to my local dealer/GD rep...good to hear nothing has changed with his status and the availability of GD shafts here in the 808.

[Lesmond]

pitbull808, on 08 November 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

Just spoke to my local dealer/GD rep...good to hear nothing has changed with his status and the availability of GD shafts here in the 808.

Hopefully the same here in CA as well.

[hayzooos]

hound25, on 08 November 2012 - 08:07 PM, said:

Stetson, on 08 November 2012 - 07:56 PM, said:

So just to verify... There will no longer be GD shafts on tour?  All GD players will be refit?

Tiger, Hunter, Ryo etc

I didn't say that. I said that one company's tour rep is having all his staffers fit into something other than GDI. As a matter of fact, they just finished a bend profile test on the BB to find a suitable replacement!  Not sure if other manufacturers will follow suit or not.

So out of curiosity, what shaft matched (or close enough) the BB bend profile? I have no idea on the specs of the shaft, I don't know if the BB would fit me or not, but I see raving reviews about it on this site, so I'm curious as to what would stack up with it.

[GDI Tour AD DI]

golfware, on 08 November 2012 - 05:06 PM, said:

GDI Tour AD DI, on 03 November 2012 - 01:52 PM, said:

Thanks!! One door closes and better one will open. Going to miss all my friends, players and caddies that work weekly on the PGA Tour. Some truly great people. The support I have received these last few weeks from family and friends, truly amazing!!

I will still be checking out GOLFWRX.com daily, the best golf website on the internet.

Keep up the great work Team GolfWrx!!

Erik

golfware, on 02 November 2012 - 12:15 PM, said:

NO!!!  While I don't currently use any GD products at the moment, I've had them and they are great. But I'm really sad for Eric Boysen and the great people at GD!!  Eric is AWESOME and always treated me well with respect and class. Good luck to ALL of the employees there and I certainly wish you the best!!

Oh yeah. And it'll be a HUGE door too. Erik, you're too good for anything less!

And the next time you're up in SF, your round at TPC Harding Park is on me!  All the best amigo!

Im ready for some golf at TPC Harding Park!!

All the best!!

EB

[Pepperturbo]

J13, on 08 November 2012 - 08:54 PM, said:

Pepperturbo, on 08 November 2012 - 08:20 PM, said:

J13, on 08 November 2012 - 07:59 PM, said:

The gold standard in golf is the PGA TOUR and that's not changing anytime soon so what possible reason could they have for not having a few tour reps to satisfy the demand?  Anyone come up with a good reason?  Honestly I can't.  For distribution I can see how moving things back to Japan makes sense but pulling tour presence, just don't see the logic.

The PGA tour gold standard, as you so aptly put it, is NOT a money maker for any OEM shaft or even equipment company's.  Remember, much of a tour presents has to do with give-a-ways and prototype testing.  No publicity to speak of.... A decent tour presents means every tour stop, both sides of the pond, plus the Asian tour.  NOT just the US.... then factor in cost of staff and inventory, travel expenses, etc, its not a gold standard like you think.

I understand the PGA is not a moneymaker in a sense that players aren't paying a dime but many people take notice to what the pro's are using.  Example Diamana whiteboard.  GD TOUR ad di was on that path in the US.  I just hope they work a great deal with a US distributor but it doesn't look like they give a crap about the US market.  Atleast not until the Asian economy tanks and people aren't paying $2000 for a set of irons and $500 for shafts.

The only way people take notice of shafts is via photo's, or noticing what a touring pro uses while on the range; other option is in a magazine.  Also, keep in mind, many pro contracts stipulate, if they are not playing the shaft in their contract, it's painted to look as though it is.  So, knowing is at best, a guess.

That said, there are not enough people buying exotic shafts to warrant thorough tour coverage on the PGA, least as I measure it.  Furthermore, I do NOT believe pulling out of the US market suggests GDI doesn't care about the market; its a business decision, not personal.

I don't believe the shafts you mention were ever on a great revenue path either.  During all my golf travels, match play competitions at multiple clubs, I can count on two hands, the number of people I've seen using exotic or prototype shafts, and those were low-single/scratch and + players.  Most golfers have "made for...", or buy exotic shafts n the secondary used market.  If Golfwrx threads suggest anything, that's probably the case here as well.  At my last upscale club of 400+ members with 30% single digit golfers and 4 PGA touring pros in residence, only a six or eight members used "aftermarket" exotic shafts.  I knew that because I was privy to pro shop custom ordering.  I have owned Red, White and Blueboard shafts since they were first introduced; not because I saw them at a PGA event, but though product advertising and a tour friend told me at my club.  I currently have a Whiteboard in my G20, and Blueboard in 3wd.  My point in sharing that is it reflects usage of exotic shafts.

From my source, I understand individual representation is in the process of being setup.

Edited by Pepperturbo, 09 November 2012 - 11:17 AM.

[shepdog]

Pepperturbo, on 09 November 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

J13, on 08 November 2012 - 08:54 PM, said:

Pepperturbo, on 08 November 2012 - 08:20 PM, said:

J13, on 08 November 2012 - 07:59 PM, said:

The gold standard in golf is the PGA TOUR and that's not changing anytime soon so what possible reason could they have for not having a few tour reps to satisfy the demand?  Anyone come up with a good reason?  Honestly I can't.  For distribution I can see how moving things back to Japan makes sense but pulling tour presence, just don't see the logic.

The PGA tour gold standard, as you so aptly put it, is NOT a money maker for any OEM shaft or even equipment company's.  Remember, much of a tour presents has to do with give-a-ways and prototype testing.  No publicity to speak of.... A decent tour presents means every tour stop, both sides of the pond, plus the Asian tour.  NOT just the US.... then factor in cost of staff and inventory, travel expenses, etc, its not a gold standard like you think.

I understand the PGA is not a moneymaker in a sense that players aren't paying a dime but many people take notice to what the pro's are using.  Example Diamana whiteboard.  GD TOUR ad di was on that path in the US.  I just hope they work a great deal with a US distributor but it doesn't look like they give a crap about the US market.  Atleast not until the Asian economy tanks and people aren't paying $2000 for a set of irons and $500 for shafts.

The only way people take notice of shafts is via photo's, or noticing what a touring pro uses while on the range; other option is in a magazine.  Also, keep in mind, many pro contracts stipulate, if they are not playing the shaft in their contract, it's painted to look as though it is.  So, knowing is at best, a guess.

That said, there are not enough people buying exotic shafts to warrant thorough tour coverage on the PGA, least as I measure it.  Furthermore, I do NOT believe pulling out of the US market suggests GDI doesn't care about the market; its a business decision, not personal.

I don't believe the shafts you mention were ever on a great revenue path either.  During all my golf travels, match play competitions at multiple clubs, I can count on two hands, the number of people I've seen using exotic or prototype shafts, and those were low-single/scratch and + players.  Most golfers have "made for...", or buy exotic shafts n the secondary used market.  If Golfwrx threads suggest anything, that's probably the case here as well.  At my last upscale club of 400+ members with 30% single digit golfers and 4 PGA touring pros in residence, only a six or eight members used "aftermarket" exotic shafts.  I knew that because I was privy to pro shop custom ordering.  I have owned Red, White and Blueboard shafts since they were first introduced; not because I saw them at a PGA event, but though product advertising and a tour friend told me at my club.  I currently have a Whiteboard in my G20, and Blueboard in 3wd.  My point in sharing that is it reflects usage of exotic shafts.

From my source, I understand individual representation is in the process of being setup.

You hit the nail on the head. It is a very minute part of the golfing population that has any knowledge of what the pros play. I have no knowledge of what pros play what shaft. It does not matter to me. What I do know is what shafts are popular with regular golfers that visit golf sites like this. I would go so far as to say that a good percentage of the members on golf sites do not play aftermarket shafts. If what the pros play had any real significance on golf purchases, Nike and Tiger would own the market.

[Rounder]

This is sad news.

[J13]

Pepperturbo, on 09 November 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

J13, on 08 November 2012 - 08:54 PM, said:

Pepperturbo, on 08 November 2012 - 08:20 PM, said:

J13, on 08 November 2012 - 07:59 PM, said:

The gold standard in golf is the PGA TOUR and that's not changing anytime soon so what possible reason could they have for not having a few tour reps to satisfy the demand?  Anyone come up with a good reason?  Honestly I can't.  For distribution I can see how moving things back to Japan makes sense but pulling tour presence, just don't see the logic.

The PGA tour gold standard, as you so aptly put it, is NOT a money maker for any OEM shaft or even equipment company's.  Remember, much of a tour presents has to do with give-a-ways and prototype testing.  No publicity to speak of.... A decent tour presents means every tour stop, both sides of the pond, plus the Asian tour.  NOT just the US.... then factor in cost of staff and inventory, travel expenses, etc, its not a gold standard like you think.

I understand the PGA is not a moneymaker in a sense that players aren't paying a dime but many people take notice to what the pro's are using.  Example Diamana whiteboard.  GD TOUR ad di was on that path in the US.  I just hope they work a great deal with a US distributor but it doesn't look like they give a crap about the US market.  Atleast not until the Asian economy tanks and people aren't paying $2000 for a set of irons and $500 for shafts.

The only way people take notice of shafts is via photo's, or noticing what a touring pro uses while on the range; other option is in a magazine.  Also, keep in mind, many pro contracts stipulate, if they are not playing the shaft in their contract, it's painted to look as though it is.  So, knowing is at best, a guess.

That said, there are not enough people buying exotic shafts to warrant thorough tour coverage on the PGA, least as I measure it.  Furthermore, I do NOT believe pulling out of the US market suggests GDI doesn't care about the market; its a business decision, not personal.

I don't believe the shafts you mention were ever on a great revenue path either.  During all my golf travels, match play competitions at multiple clubs, I can count on two hands, the number of people I've seen using exotic or prototype shafts, and those were low-single/scratch and + players.  Most golfers have "made for...", or buy exotic shafts n the secondary used market.  If Golfwrx threads suggest anything, that's probably the case here as well.  At my last upscale club of 400+ members with 30% single digit golfers and 4 PGA touring pros in residence, only a six or eight members used "aftermarket" exotic shafts.  I knew that because I was privy to pro shop custom ordering.  I have owned Red, White and Blueboard shafts since they were first introduced; not because I saw them at a PGA event, but though product advertising and a tour friend told me at my club.  I currently have a Whiteboard in my G20, and Blueboard in 3wd.  My point in sharing that is it reflects usage of exotic shafts.

From my source, I understand individual representation is in the process of being setup.

Pepper I understand what your saying but even if people are buying the exotics in the used market those shafts were all new at one point and were paid for.  As for what you see on the course I too play in a lot of state and USGA competitions and most players have exotic shafts.  At my club most of the players under a 5 or 6 hcp have exotics that they order through the proshop typically from the manufacturer who made the club.  My questions is with GD moving back over sea's is that going to change what OEM's will carry their shaft?  Will demand for the shaft change if less and less pro's are using it?

Now that I think about it I guess my position is also being influenced by long term projections for the shaft market.  As specs like MAX COR and head size have been reached the next era is really going to come down to the engine (the shaft).  I see the market only growing as time goes on which again is why I see GD's lack of tour presence not their move back to japan as a bad call.

Edited by J13, 11 November 2012 - 12:44 PM.

[stage1350]

J13, on 11 November 2012 - 12:42 PM, said:

...Now that I think about it I guess my position is also being influenced by long term projections for the shaft market.  As specs like MAX COR and head size have been reached the next era is really going to come down to the engine (the shaft).  I see the market only growing as time goes on which again is why I see GD's lack of tour presence not their move back to japan as a bad call.

Driver technology has essentially been maxed out for 4-5 years already.  Since the USGA capped CC size, COR/CT, and driver length, there is very little that can now be done to a modern driver to increase peak distance.

The OEMs are getting ready to push the 47" length on drivers and will only have one more inch left to market their "longer" clubs.  It's why each generation of clubs is going lighter in  last ditch effort to pick up clubhead speed.  Unfortunately, there is a point of diminishing returns on total weight.

The bad news for shaft manufacturers is that shafts designed in the 90s, like the Speeder 757 are still very relevant.  The only realistic opportunity a premium maker has is to try to make custom profiles for each golfer's swing.  But you'd be looking at R&D in the millions and a shaft that would go well into the thousands of dollars range.  Otherwise, there is no distance to be had.

The newest shaft I've bought is Project X graphite, which is now 3-4 years old.  My fallback shaft is still Diamana Whiteboard.  I have yet to see any modern shafts that perform as well as these.

[DRRicks]

stage1350, on 11 November 2012 - 03:40 PM, said:

J13, on 11 November 2012 - 12:42 PM, said:

...Now that I think about it I guess my position is also being influenced by long term projections for the shaft market.  As specs like MAX COR and head size have been reached the next era is really going to come down to the engine (the shaft).  I see the market only growing as time goes on which again is why I see GD's lack of tour presence not their move back to japan as a bad call.

Driver technology has essentially been maxed out for 4-5 years already.  Since the USGA capped CC size, COR/CT, and driver length, there is very little that can now be done to a modern driver to increase peak distance.

The OEMs are getting ready to push the 47" length on drivers and will only have one more inch left to market their "longer" clubs.  It's why each generation of clubs is going lighter in  last ditch effort to pick up clubhead speed.  Unfortunately, there is a point of diminishing returns on total weight.

The bad news for shaft manufacturers is that shafts designed in the 90s, like the Speeder 757 are still very relevant.  The only realistic opportunity a premium maker has is to try to make custom profiles for each golfer's swing.  But you'd be looking at R&D in the millions and a shaft that would go well into the thousands of dollars range.  Otherwise, there is no distance to be had.

The newest shaft I've bought is Project X graphite, which is now 3-4 years old.  My fallback shaft is still Diamana Whiteboard.  I have yet to see any modern shafts that perform as well as these.

I thought the same as you..until the Fuji Motore Speeder, AWESOME.

[J13]

47" drivers and eventually 48" drivers are going to open up a whole new market for OEM's.  Just think you can talk to willpeoples and buy a tour issue Taylormade Helmet for when you play.

[markheardjr]

Lesmond, on 09 November 2012 - 12:02 AM, said:

pitbull808, on 08 November 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

Just spoke to my local dealer/GD rep...good to hear nothing has changed with his status and the availability of GD shafts here in the 808.

Hopefully the same here in CA as well.

I wouldn't count on it. Japan thinks Hawaii is theirs, even though they lost that war. They treat it like their own little vacation and retirement spot. So all the JDM OEM's will be there even if they pull out of the CONUS.

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='J13' timestamp='1352655766' post='5918963']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1352477613' post='5912085']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1352426060' post='5910267']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1352424059' post='5910121']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1352422785' post='5910029']
The gold standard in golf is the PGA TOUR and that's not changing anytime soon so what possible reason could they have for not having a few tour reps to satisfy the demand?  Anyone come up with a good reason?  Honestly I can't.  For distribution I can see how moving things back to Japan makes sense but pulling tour presence, just don't see the logic.
[/quote]

The PGA tour gold standard, as you so aptly put it, is NOT a money maker for any OEM shaft or even equipment company's.  Remember, much of a tour presents has to do with give-a-ways and prototype testing.  No publicity to speak of.... A decent tour presents means every tour stop, both sides of the pond, plus the Asian tour.  NOT just the US.... then factor in cost of staff and inventory, travel expenses, etc, its not a gold standard like you think.
[/quote]

I understand the PGA is not a moneymaker in a sense that players aren't paying a dime but many people take notice to what the pro's are using.  Example Diamana whiteboard.  GD TOUR ad di was on that path in the US.  I just hope they work a great deal with a US distributor but it doesn't look like they give a crap about the US market.  Atleast not until the Asian economy tanks and people aren't paying $2000 for a set of irons and $500 for shafts.
[/quote]

The only way people take notice of shafts is via photo's, or noticing what a touring pro uses while on the range; other option is in a magazine.  Also, keep in mind, many pro contracts stipulate, if they are not playing the shaft in their contract, it's painted to look as though it is.  So, knowing is at best, a guess.

That said, there are not enough people buying exotic shafts to warrant thorough tour coverage on the PGA, least as I measure it.  Furthermore, I do NOT believe pulling out of the US market suggests GDI doesn't care about the market; its a business decision, not personal.

I don't believe the shafts you mention were ever on a great revenue path either.  During all my golf travels, match play competitions at multiple clubs, I can count on two hands, the number of people I've seen using exotic or prototype shafts, and those were low-single/scratch and + players.  Most golfers have "made for...", or buy exotic shafts n the secondary used market.  If Golfwrx threads suggest anything, that's probably the case here as well.  At my last upscale club of 400+ members with 30% single digit golfers and 4 PGA touring pros in residence, only a six or eight members used "aftermarket" exotic shafts.  I knew that because I was privy to pro shop custom ordering.  I have owned Red, White and Blueboard shafts since they were first introduced; not because I saw them at a PGA event, but though product advertising and a tour friend told me at my club.  I currently have a Whiteboard in my G20, and Blueboard in 3wd.  My point in sharing that is it reflects usage of exotic shafts.

From my source, I understand individual representation is in the process of being setup.
[/quote]

Pepper I understand what your saying but even if people are buying the exotics in the used market those shafts were all new at one point and were paid for.  As for what you see on the course I too play in a lot of state and USGA competitions and most players have exotic shafts.  At my club most of the players under a 5 or 6 hcp have exotics that they order through the proshop typically from the manufacturer who made the club.  My questions is with GD moving back over sea's is that going to change what OEM's will carry their shaft? Will demand for the shaft change if less and less pro's are using it?

Now that I think about it I guess my position is also being influenced by long term projections for the shaft market.  As specs like MAX COR and head size have been reached the next era is really going to come down to the engine (the shaft).  I see the market only growing as time goes on which again is why I see GD's lack of tour presence not their move back to japan as a bad call.
[/quote]

First, I do NOT believe less pros will be using GDI "if" they are having success with the shaft, and the same is true for better amateurs with $300 to spend on a shaft.  Besides, their products will still be available stateside, only through distributors.  I do find it hard to believe that that many at your club use GDI either.  It wasn't all that popular, except for there lesser priced shafts, at either of my clubs.  The US problem is their exotic shafts are too ($300-450) dam expensive.  There's not a big market for that grade of shaft.  Again, you should look at GDI's bigger picture, not so much what you think regarding access.  I think they made the right decision, and wouldn't be surprised if more Asian based manufactures don't follow suite.

[J13]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1352743471' post='5923045']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1352655766' post='5918963']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1352477613' post='5912085']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1352426060' post='5910267']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1352424059' post='5910121']
[quote name='J13' timestamp='1352422785' post='5910029']
The gold standard in golf is the PGA TOUR and that's not changing anytime soon so what possible reason could they have for not having a few tour reps to satisfy the demand?  Anyone come up with a good reason?  Honestly I can't.  For distribution I can see how moving things back to Japan makes sense but pulling tour presence, just don't see the logic.
[/quote]

The PGA tour gold standard, as you so aptly put it, is NOT a money maker for any OEM shaft or even equipment company's.  Remember, much of a tour presents has to do with give-a-ways and prototype testing.  No publicity to speak of.... A decent tour presents means every tour stop, both sides of the pond, plus the Asian tour.  NOT just the US.... then factor in cost of staff and inventory, travel expenses, etc, its not a gold standard like you think.
[/quote]

I understand the PGA is not a moneymaker in a sense that players aren't paying a dime but many people take notice to what the pro's are using.  Example Diamana whiteboard.  GD TOUR ad di was on that path in the US.  I just hope they work a great deal with a US distributor but it doesn't look like they give a crap about the US market.  Atleast not until the Asian economy tanks and people aren't paying $2000 for a set of irons and $500 for shafts.
[/quote]

The only way people take notice of shafts is via photo's, or noticing what a touring pro uses while on the range; other option is in a magazine.  Also, keep in mind, many pro contracts stipulate, if they are not playing the shaft in their contract, it's painted to look as though it is.  So, knowing is at best, a guess.

That said, there are not enough people buying exotic shafts to warrant thorough tour coverage on the PGA, least as I measure it.  Furthermore, I do NOT believe pulling out of the US market suggests GDI doesn't care about the market; its a business decision, not personal.

I don't believe the shafts you mention were ever on a great revenue path either.  During all my golf travels, match play competitions at multiple clubs, I can count on two hands, the number of people I've seen using exotic or prototype shafts, and those were low-single/scratch and + players.  Most golfers have "made for...", or buy exotic shafts n the secondary used market.  If Golfwrx threads suggest anything, that's probably the case here as well.  At my last upscale club of 400+ members with 30% single digit golfers and 4 PGA touring pros in residence, only a six or eight members used "aftermarket" exotic shafts.  I knew that because I was privy to pro shop custom ordering.  I have owned Red, White and Blueboard shafts since they were first introduced; not because I saw them at a PGA event, but though product advertising and a tour friend told me at my club.  I currently have a Whiteboard in my G20, and Blueboard in 3wd.  My point in sharing that is it reflects usage of exotic shafts.

From my source, I understand individual representation is in the process of being setup.
[/quote]

Pepper I understand what your saying but even if people are buying the exotics in the used market those shafts were all new at one point and were paid for.  As for what you see on the course I too play in a lot of state and USGA competitions and most players have exotic shafts.  At my club most of the players under a 5 or 6 hcp have exotics that they order through the proshop typically from the manufacturer who made the club.  My questions is with GD moving back over sea's is that going to change what OEM's will carry their shaft? Will demand for the shaft change if less and less pro's are using it?

Now that I think about it I guess my position is also being influenced by long term projections for the shaft market.  As specs like MAX COR and head size have been reached the next era is really going to come down to the engine (the shaft).  I see the market only growing as time goes on which again is why I see GD's lack of tour presence not their move back to japan as a bad call.
[/quote]

First, I do NOT believe less pros will be using GDI "if" they are having success with the shaft, and the same is true for better amateurs with $300 to spend on a shaft.  Besides, their products will still be available stateside, only through distributors.  I do find it hard to believe that that many at your club use GDI either.  It wasn't all that popular, except for there lesser priced shafts, at either of my clubs.  The US problem is their exotic shafts are too ($300-450) dam expensive.  There's not a big market for that grade of shaft.  Again, you should look at GDI's bigger picture, not so much what you think regarding access.  I think they made the right decision, and wouldn't be surprised if more Asian based manufactures don't follow suite.
[/quote]

Well Robo who is pretty close with the Cobra boys say they are changing out pro's shafts to fit them into something else then I believe him.  As for my club I never said it was GD shafts just exotics.  Most play Diamana or Aldila RIP again because they see it on TV.  I've been playing the GD TOUR AD DI and BB and a few people have picked them up after hitting mine.  But I completely agree they priced themselves out of the market in a lot of players eyes.

[pitbull808]

markheardjr, on 12 November 2012 - 12:44 PM, said:

Lesmond, on 09 November 2012 - 12:02 AM, said:

pitbull808, on 08 November 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

Just spoke to my local dealer/GD rep...good to hear nothing has changed with his status and the availability of GD shafts here in the 808.

Hopefully the same here in CA as well.

I wouldn't count on it. Japan thinks Hawaii is theirs, even though they lost that war. They treat it like their own little vacation and retirement spot. So all the JDM OEM's will be there even if they pull out of the CONUS.

It should be..the location of the new distributer is in CA.  As I said in an earlier post that seems to have been missed by many...

Quote

Dear Valued Customer,

We thank you very much for your continued support and trust in our advanced shaft technology and the preferred shaft brand for golf professionals worldwide

Today, we are regretfully sending this letter to notify you that Graphite Design International, Inc. will close its offices in San Diego on November 30, 2012. It was a difficult decision after being in San Diego for 15 years.  The Board of Directors of Graphite Design International made this business decision in light of the current business environment and our group’s plan to streamline its business worldwide.  In this regard, Graphite Design International will continue to service and take care of your company’s requirements until November 30^th.  

Graphite Design Inc. plans to grant exclusive distributorship rights for aftermarket shafts in the U.S., Canada and Europe to “Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc.” effective December 1, 2012.  This company, owned by Wayne Ageno, will be located in San Diego.  Wayne is the current CFO for Graphite Design International and one of its first employees, hired in 1997.  Their contact information is as follows:

Wayne Ageno , President:  XXXXX@gdintl.com, phone:  (619) XXX-XXXX- ext. XXX

Karen Ageno, CFO:  XXXXX@gdintl.com, phone:  (619) XXX-XXXX ext. XXX

Bill McPherson, V.P. Sales:  XXXXX@gdintl.com, phone:  (619) XXX-XXXX ext. XXX

In the next few days, Bill McPherson will contact you to explain further details and answer any questions you may have.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to him in advance, should you have any immediate concerns.

Once again, Effective December 1, 2012 Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc. will receive all your orders and ship them without interruption in service.

We are confident that the transition will bring about increased efficiencies and overall better service for the Graphite Design brand’s customers worldwide.


Takuro Yamada
President

Graphite Design International
4229 Ponderosa Avenue, Suite B
San Diego, California 92123

[xxio]

Could be a good thing. Having a separate company distributing, spending on marketing, making sure about margins, etc may actually get the product in the hands of the 99% not on forums.

The GDI team are great because they offer individualized and custom service to guys that fully appreciate it. They however are not as concerned with margins and profits (not their fault).....and mass movement of product. The next company will because that is how the separate company will make money.

Make or break time in terms of getting the brand name into the minds of the 90%.