Scott White appointed by True Temper as new Director of Sales

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- True Temper, the leading manufacturer of golf shafts, is proud to announce the expansion of its sales force with the addition of Scott White.

White joins True Temper as Director of Sales, golf products, based in Southern California. He will work with True Temper's sales team in order to support and service the company's broad base of golf equipment manufacturers.

Over the past fourteen years, White has worked for various leading golf equipment manufacturers throughout the U.S. and has experience in product marketing, sales and brand management. He also has an extensive background in working in advertising and sports marketing agencies.

"We are confident Scott's diverse background in sales and marketing, combined with his history of expanding product categories for global brands, and will be of tremendous value to our organization," says Ray Lucas VP of global sales and marketing. "With his proven record of successfully introducing products into sports markets and channels, he is an ideal fit for our company's long-term global sales and marketing goals."

With manufacturing facilities and offices located throughout the world, True Temper retains the largest market share globally in golf shafts. True Temper brands, particularly Dynamic Gold, dominate world tour headlines week after week more than all other shaft brands combined. True Temper shafts have won 38 PGA TOUR events this season alone, including all four of the PGA TOUR major events.

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.golfshaftsasia.com.

True Temper Golf Shafts Expands Product Line

On the heels of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing to restructure its debt, Memphis-based True Temper Sports is launching a $10 million expansion that could create 200 jobs over the next few years.

True Temper golf shafts is expanding its manufacturing capabilities from titanium and graphite golf shafts and hockey sticks to include baseball and softball bats and lacrosse sticks. At its Amory, Miss. facility, True Temper will continue to make golf shafts and will also make lacrosse sticks, batons, antennas and some parts for the automotive and medical industries. Those products can be made through the same precision welding and finishing process as golf shafts, says Scott Hennessy, CEO of True Temper. Bats will be made at its Southern California and Asian facilities because that process involves metal forming.

The company's debt restructuring resulted from it being "over-leveraged," according to Hennessy. It reached an agreement with its secured lenders, bondholders and shareholders to restructure all of its outstanding debt. A group of investors was brought in to pay off its bank loans completely, Hennessy says, which retired $275 million of its debt. The company is offering equity to other lenders.

Prior to the restructuring, True Temper had $125 million in high yield bonds that were available on the public market. With the elimination of those bonds, True Temper will be completely private, Hennessy says.

Orginal Story at memphisjournal.com

Take a look at Golf Shafts Asia True Temper golf shaft product line at www.golfshaftsasia.com

Graphite Design Tour AD powers winner of the SAS Championship

SAN DIEGO -- Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, announced that the winner of the Champions Tour SAS Championship played Graphite Design's Tour AD MD 7X shaft in his driver.

"It was exciting to see the winner of the SAS Championship claim a victory in his Champions Tour debut," said Mr. Kenzo Imamura, President, COO, Graphite Design. "We are pleased that he relied on our Tour AD shaft in his driver at this event. Our shafts have always been known for high quality and superior performance which is why professionals and amateurs worldwide have benefited from playing our shafts for over 20 years."


Graphite Design Tour AD shafts have consistently been one of the top three wood shafts played on the Champions Tour. Tour AD stands for Accuracy and Distance, and is a moniker that has long been known for high quality and superior performance. This is represented by the company's success which 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 six years.

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 65 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 all of golf's major OEMs. Graphite Design shafts continue to be preferred by top club makers the world over while the company's mainstay YSQ and YSQst, Stabilized Tip shafts, Aura shafts and other models are extremely popular among avid and occasional golfers. For more information about Graphite Design, call 888.707.6132, e-mail info@gdintl.com, or visit www.gdintl.com. or visit www.golfshaftsasia.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.

Aldila Golf Shafts

POWAY, Calif. - The winner of the Miccosukee Championship notched his first Tour victory of the season with the help of Aldila's VS Proto. With the victory, he ranks second in Money Leaders on the Nationwide Tour and will be one of the Top 25 who earns their PGA Tour card for 2010.

On the PGA Tour, the runner-up on the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open made a key switch to Aldila's VooDoo in his driver and turned in his best finish of the year. In the process he raised his driving accuracy percentage seven points and increased his driving distance 15 yards. After making the switch he averaged 289.5, 309.0, 312.0, 307.0 yards in rounds one through four respectively finishing with an average of 304.4 yards.


Led by their number one shaft, the VooDoo® featuring S-core Technology™, "The Hottest Shafts In Golf" won the wood and hybrid shaft manufacturer counts on the PGA and Nationwide Tours again this week, according to the Darrell Survey. Aldila won the hybrid shaft counts on both Tours by nearly a 2 to 1 margin over the next leading shaft manufacturer and remain the number on shaft on Tour.

"We're extremely proud to see that both PGA Tour players continue to show their confidence in Aldila's shaft technology to consistently perform at this level," said Stewart Bahl, Aldila's Marketing Manager. "The primary reason for Aldila's popularity and growth on the Tours has been the unparalleled accuracy and consistency of the VooDoo."


The real "magic" of the VooDoo is its high modulus carbon stabilization rib running the length of the shaft. The innovative rib structure keeps the shaft more concentric, preventing shaft ovaling, deformation and wasted energy during the golf swing. Because the shaft's symmetry is maintained throughout the swing, it loads and unloads more consistently, enabling you to more reliably deliver the club head to the ball every swing. The VooDoo simply helps generate consistently straight and long shots - with feel other shafts can't match.

Aldila has the unique ability to fuse high-end design with cutting edge technology. They are continually on the leading edge of the golf world through their relentless pursuit of the next best innovation.

To purchase Aldila Golf Shafts visit www.golfshaftsasia.com

How are Graphite Golf Shafts Made

Graphite shafts start out as successive layers of graphite fibers held together by a resin (not unlike a form of epoxy) that is called a "binder" material. These sheets of graphite fiber-plus-binder material are called "pre-preg." The graphite fibers used to make the pre-preg sheets can vary in strength and stiffness (called the "modulus" of the graphite material) to afford the shaft designer more creativity in the performance design of the shaft.

These pre-preg sheets of graphite-plus-binder are tightly wrapped around a solid steel forming mandrel (a mandrel is a metal rod around which other material is formed into shape). The mandrel dictates the inside diameter, or core, of the shaft. That diameter, plus the number of layers wrapped around the mandrel and the variety of pre-preg material used, determines the weight and stiffness of the shaft.

More layers wrapped around the mandrel equals greater wall thickness, which equals a stiffer and heavier shaft.

In addition, greater stiffness can also be achieved by using stronger and stiffer sheets of pre-preg. In this manner, the shaft walls can be thinner - but still have enough stiffness - to achieve a lighter weight in the shaft.

Once all the prescribed individual layers of the pre-preg graphite material are tightly wrapped around the forming mandrel, a thin wrap of cellophane is added over the shaft to hold the pre-preg layers in place. The shafts are then put into special ovens whose heat causes the binder material to slowly "melt," fusing all the pre-preg layers together into one contiguous tube of graphite.

After baking, the forming mandrel is pulled out of the inside of the shaft through the grip end of the shaft. The cellophane covering is stripped off, the shafts are sanded smooth on their surface and then painted in the cosmetic scheme dictated by the customer.

Article by Golf Shaft expert Tom Wishon of Golf Technology. To find out more about graphite golf shafts visit www.golfshaftsasia.com

How Steel Golf Shafts Are Made

There are two primary ways to manufacture steel golf shafts. One is called "seemless" construction; the other is "welded tube" construction.

A seamless steel shaft starts life as a large cylinder of solid steel. The cylinder is heated and pierced with a special machine, turning the solid steel log into a large, thick-walled tube. Over a series of stretching operations on very specialized machines called draw benches, the large, thick tube is gradually reduced in diameter and wall thickness to become a thin-walled steel tube five-eighths of an inch in diameter. These shaft "blanks," as they are called, are then subjected to a series of squeezing operations that form the individual sections of diameter reduction called the "step-downs" on the shaft.

A welded tube construction steel shaft begins as a flat strip of steel that is coiled and welded into a tube. The welding procedure is quite different than what most people are used to seeing. Through what is called high-frequency welding, the two ends of the coiled strip are literally fused together without the presence of a second, different material as in the case of most welding. A special machine then removes the excess metal from the outside and inside of the welded tube in a procedure called "skiving." Once formed, the tube is stretched down to the required 5/8-inch outer diameter in the same procedures used in the forming of the seamless steel shaft, with the step-downs formed in the same manner as well.

Once formed into the step pattern dictated by each individual shaft design, the raw steel shafts are heat treated, straightened and then nickel-chrome electroplated to prevent rusting.

For more information about how golf shafts are made contact www.golfshaftsasia.com

True Temper Golf Shafts News

True Temper Win-Win Weekend: Tour Championship and FedEx Cup

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shafts designed by True Temper Sports captured THE TOUR Championship and the coveted FedEx Cup this weekend, closing the PGA TOUR season in the same winning fashion as it began.

Playing Project X shafts in his irons, the winner of THE TOUR Championship rallied from four shots down for a three-shot victory and second-place in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Meanwhile, the FedEx Cup winner played True Temper’s Dynamic Gold shafts in his irons to take his second FedEx Cup title.

“True Temper shafts earned the double win and officially dominated the playoffs just as we dominated Tour events and all four Majors during the 2009 season,” says Bob Montgomery, manager of tour operations for True Temper Sports. “True Temper shafts are designed to deliver exceptional performance, which was clearly demonstrated week after week with 38 PGA Tour victories this season.”


For more than 100 years, True Temper has led the golf industry as the number one shaft manufacturer in the world. Every week, True Temper victories on the pro tours reaffirm the company’s commitment to engineering the finest and most technologically advanced shafts in golf.

Featuring a high-flex, tour weight design, Dynamic Gold steel shafts are the top-selling steel shaft in golf and are preferred by skilled players seeking a low, penetrating ball flight. True Temper’s Project X shaft is another successful brand which is well-known for providing a dedicated constant taper rate per inch for each shaft in the set. Longer taper rate results in more energy transfer to the ball and the ball gets up faster and flattens out for a penetrating trajectory. Dynamic Gold shafts are available in tapered and parallel irons and parallel woods, while Project X steel shafts are available in tapered and parallel irons.

For more information on True Temper Sports or Dynamic Gold brand shafts, visit www.GolfShaftsAsia.com. Golfshaftsasia can also be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Golf-Shafts-Asia/176974591194

Fujikura Tour Platform Golf Shafts

Fujikura is a company that has traditionally made products that appeal to the highest level of players. The Tour Platform, though appropriate for more accomplished golfers, is designed with a more flexible tip section than many other high-performance models, making it an easier, more forgiving shaft to hit for the average golfer.


The mid-torque, mid-bend attributes of the Tour Platform, as well as the extremely high-quality materials from which it's made, make it a perfect choice for the serious player who needs some extra help achieving the desired high-launch, low-spin shot characteristics of exra-long drives.

Like all Fujikura products, the Tour Platform is made with only the highest-quality materials, which not only increases overall performance, but creates superior consistent from shaft to shaft. As a result, any golfer who invests in a Fujikura product can feel confident that he or she is getting a shaft that will perform the same as any other in the same Fujikura family. In addition, all Fujikura shafts are made with state-of-the-art production methods that further ensure the quality and consistency of the company's products.

Courtesy golflink.com. To buy Fujikura golf shafts in Thailand and throughout Asia contact www.golfshaftsasia.com

Fujiukura Golf Shafts

Fujikura golf shafts are available to Asia's leading golf retailers at www.golfshaftasia.com. Have you tried equipping your golf clubs with graphite shaft and steel shafts yet neither of these are working for you? Are you in search of a different kind of Asian golf shaft, one that will give you the ultimate control and power over your shots? If you answered yes to both these questions then you should think about buying Fujikura Golf Shafts.

Fujikura is the biggest producer of graphite wood shafts in Asia. No mean feat since Fujikura only began producing golf shafts just thirty years ago. They are also number one when it comes to supplying wood golf shafts to the best professional golfers in the PGA Tour. And it’s not only the golfers who have fallen in love with this Asian golf shaft producer.


Leading golf club brands such as Callaway, Nike, Taylor Made and Cleveland all equip their golf club sets with Fujikura golf shafts. If these big names in the golfing industry use these shafts for their line of graphite shafted golf clubs, then the shafts must really be that good. There are dozens of different Fujikura golf shafts that you can choose from if you want to change shafts of your clubs.

Thee golf shafts from Golf Shafts Asia will give you unparalleled performance when it comes to shot control and power. Buy this shaft and you will see why graphite shafts are truly a much better choice than steel ones. Fujikura also offers golf shafts created specifically for women. Fujikura's Sakura shafts were designed, so you can keep the ball in the air for a longer period of time without the need to swing the club too powerfully.

If you are a woman golfer who wants to put even more power into your shots then the Sakura Sport golf shafts are right for you. The unique design of this golf shaft allows you to swing your club faster without having to add any more power on your part. This means you no longer have to suffer using heavy steel shafts or straining yourself using poor quality graphite shafts in order for you to reach your desired distance.

Fujikura is also the first golf shaft brand that sells its products in the aftermarket. This means that you can buy the shafts in pro shops all around the world instead of having them shipped from Japan. Make sure to test the different kinds of graphite golf shafts available before deciding on which one to buy.

Ask the golf shaft experts at Golf Shafts Asia if you can do a few practice swings for each club, so that you know which one to have your clubs equipped with. If you want to give yourself a significant advantage over the other golfers you play with then equip your clubs with Fujikura Golf Shaft from the leading distributor in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Asia.

Fujikura Takes Getting Fit For Shafts to Next Level

A simplequestion: Would you buy a high-priced sports car just because it looks good? Won’t you also look under the hood and check out the engine? Of course you will.

Well, why don’t more golfers take the time to “look under the hoods” of those sleek, pricey new drivers that are constantly coming onto the market and consider what really makes the club work….the shaft?'

Fujikura, one of the leading shaft makers in the world and the number one metal wood shaft brand on the PGA Tour for eight years, is doing its best to inform the consumer on the vital importance of being fit for the right shaft in order to maximize on-course performance. What PGA Tour pros and serious amateurs have known for so long average players are becoming aware of: The shaft is perhaps the single most important tool in optimizing the playing potential of any club.

To that end, Fujikura early this year launched what it calls the Fujikura Fit-On Academy at its California facility. Golfers can schedule a visit to the Academy where they will be put through a comprehensive fitting experience that will produce a wealth of detailed information that will allow the participant to determine what shaft is right for his or her particular swing. If you can’t make it to the Fit-On Academy don’t worry. Fujikura has developed an extensive list of custom clubmakers all over the country that have access to testing procedures and information direct from Fujikura via the Internet. When customers call or visit the Fit-On Academy at the company’s website, www.fujikuragolf.com, he or she will receive a list of dealers in their area and contact information. Simply set up a meeting with the dealer and get fitted.

“We used fitting technology from Japan and put a U.S. spin on it,” said Fujikura president, David Schnider. “We developed our own software and opened the fitting center to educate our OEMs, sales, technical and customer service people how it all works. Then we set up an extensive network of clubmakers that are Fujikura dealers. We passed our information about clubfitting along to our dealers so they can use it effectively.”

Those who choose to visit the Fit-On Academy in person enjoy a unique experience similar to that of a Tour pro who wants to refine his or her game, said Schnider.

“There is so much information that we produce. The fitting takes about four hours--an hour just for the driver--and it’s a true fitting experience. We aren’t in the business of selling Fujikura shafts. Rather we give our customers information and recommendations and they can choose to use it as they see fit. They can buy through an OEM dealer or visit a clubmaker, who will look at the numbers and perhaps tweak things a bit and make his own recommendations.”

Well known and appreciated by Tour players for years, Fujikura has in recent years made a determined effort to get quality shafts into the hands of players of all levels.

“We have always started at the top of the pyramid of influence with PGA Tour players,” said Schnider. “We have a Tour Series line of shafts that are a little more expensive and made with high grade materials that are for the stronger players. We launched a line that we call the Essential Series that has shafts ranging from a shaft for women and a player with a slow swing speed right on up to professional players. I think we have increased awareness of the importance of the shaft, and we believe the average player can benefit greatly from geeing fit properly.”

He added, “The average golfer sees a new driver on a television commercial and thinks that’s the one for him. He buys it off the shelf and hits it pretty well. But he may not be maximizing his performance because he might not have the proper shaft for his swing. It’s amazing when people come to the Fit-On Academy. We haven’t had anyone who hasn’t had better ball performance by going through the fitting lab. On an average, people are getting 15 to 20 yards more distance with a driver.”

Think of buying a golf club as you would a new suit, said Schnider. “You can go in and buy something off the rack and look pretty good. Or you can have your exact measurements taken and then have something custom made. You are going to look 100 percent better and feel better about the suit having it custom made.”

Schnider said feedback from those who have visited the Fit-On Academy or the network of Fujikura clubmakers and dealers has been “absolutely tremendous.


“Usually, people follow up if they have had a bad experience and sometimes no news is good news. But in this instance we have had an overwhelming number of people call back and say `Wow, this really works for me.’”

While perhaps not as unique as a visit to the Fit-On Academy, Schnider said getting fit at one of the clubmakers in the Fujikura system is a detailed process.

“Don’t worry if you can’t come out to California. We have people at Fujikura talking to our dealers every day helping them understand how our fitting works. The dealers have access to an online calculator and they are plugging the same numbers in and coming up with recommendations on shafts. Maybe they have their own techniques, but you are getting a similar fitting.”

Schnider believes golfers are taking heed and finally grasping the importance of the shaft when it comes to the overall performance of a club, whether it is the driver or a set of irons.

“The young guys really get it and they are always switching shafts and experimenting. We have aimed some of our focus on the plus-35-year-old golfer, the weekend players who may be 15 handicappers but want to improve their games. Those are the people that our Essential Series can help and the word is getting out. You don’t have to be a Tour player to benefit from technology and that’s especially true when it comes to the shaft.”

For more information about Fujikura and the Fit-On Academy, call 866-766-2291 or visit www.fujikuragolf.com or www.golfshaftasia.com

Tak Yamada named V.P. of Sales and Marketing at Graphite Design

SAN DIEGO -- Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, today announced that Mr. Tak Yamada, a member of Graphite Design International's Board of Directors, has been appointed to serve as VP of Sales & Marketing. In his new position, Mr. Yamada will oversee all sales and marketing operations at Graphite Design International.

"We're moving aggressively to deliver the most possible value to our customers and seize new opportunities in the shaft market," said Mr. Kenzo Imamura, Graphite Design president and COO. "We're reshaping Graphite Design to be a leader in the United States, just as it has been in Japan for almost 20 years and we feel that Mr. Yamada has the experience and the knowledge to help reach our goals."

According to Mr. Yamada, "We have the right people in the right places to execute our focused growth strategy. Graphite Design has a very skilled and experienced management team which gives us the opportunity to ensure that the company is aggressively moving its strategy forward, driving long-term growth and fulfilling our core mission to become the leading shaft played on all Tours worldwide."


Graphite Design was founded in 1989 in Chichibu Japan where it quickly became known for designing quality and performance shafts. Using the highest quality composite materials solidifies the company's reputation for manufacturing superior golf shafts. Demand for the product increased globally and Graphite Design International was founded In San Diego, CA in 1997. The San Diego facility has a state of the art production prototype cell for R & D. Mr. Imamura, has been with Graphite Design since its inception and brings 30+ years of composite experience to the USA from Graphite Design and Toray Company.
Graphite Design has been a force with professional golfers worldwide and continues to be a popular choice among the best golfers in the world. This popularity has allowed the company to support golf through the re-shaft aftermarket and golf club manufacturers.

"We attribute our level of success and our dominance on the Japan Tour to the revolutionary technology, design and sourcing of the most advanced materials which are trademarks in all Graphite Design shafts, whether they are new shaft designs or those that have been on the market for several years," added Mr. Yamada. "We pride ourselves in being the leader in breakthrough shaft technologies in the golf industry and we will continue to offer premium shafts with exceptional levels of performance."

Graphite Design is moving aggressively to secure leading positions where it sees the largest opportunities for growth in the shaft market. Over the past month, Graphite Design has begun testing a new premium shaft for introduction in 2010. Look for more information about this shaft in the coming months.

Graphite Design Tour AD shafts have consistently been one of the top three wood shafts played on the Champions Tour. Tour AD stands for Accuracy and Distance, and is a moniker that has long been known for high quality and superior performance. This is represented by the company's success which 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 six years.

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 65 victories since 2004 and millions of dollars in prize money. Graphite Design International has distributors in the U.S., Europe and Asian supplying Graphite Design shafts to over 1000 custom fitters around the world.

Aldila's VooDoo gets shaft count victories at Masters, U.S. Open

POWAY, Calif. -- With more and more Tour players relying on the outstanding accuracy, stability and increased distance of their #1 shaft, the VooDoo®, Aldila followed up their domination of the wood and hybrid shaft manufacturer counts at the Masters with a repeat performance at the U.S. Open. According to the Darrell Survey, "The Hottest Shafts In Golf" won the hybrid count by a 2-1 margin over the next leading competitor.

"We're excited to see that when the best players in the world gather to compete for a Major title, Aldila continues to be their shaft of choice," said Mike Rossi, Aldila's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "With the VooDoo winning more and more players over across the Tours, we couldn't be more pleased with our shafts and the technology behind them."

Not only did Aldila tear up the PGA Tour, but they were also the number one wood and hybrid shaft on the Nationwide Tour, winning the hybrid count by more than 2-1 over the next leading shaft manufacturer.
What sets the VooDoo above other shafts is its patent-pending S-core (stabilized core) Technology™. The real 'magic' is its high modulus carbon stabilization rib that runs the length of the shaft and keeps the shaft more concentric, preventing shaft ovaling, deformation and wasted energy during the golf swing.

"The innovative rib structure increases hoop strength/stiffness so much that it is 80 percent greater than conventional graphite, and up to 60 percent greater than competitors' attempts at cross-sectional stabilization," said Stewart Bahl, Aldila's Marketing Manger. The VooDoo simply helps generate consistently straight and long shots - with feel competitor shafts can't match."
Aldila catapults power to an unprecedented level. High performance technology harnessed and perfected from a special blend of materials, design and expertise. Pushing success to the edge and redefining how power should feel.

True Temper reorganizes debt structure through Chapter 11 filing

True Temper Sports Inc. is reorganizing its debt structure through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

The company has filed a pre-packaged restructuring petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. The filing is considered to be “a mechanism to implement the agreed upon balance sheet restructuring, and will not impact the fundamental business of True Temper or its day-to-day operations,” according to a company statement.

The company reached an agreement with its secured lenders, bondholders and shareholders to restructure all of its outstanding debt in order to reduce loan balance. The deal will reduce the company’s debt from around $275 million to less than $40 million. True Temper anticipates completing the process in the next 60 days.

In a statement, Scott Hennessy, president and CEO of True Temper, said the company had capital structure issues that needed to be addressed, which led to the filing.

“Very shortly the completion of this financial reorganization will be behind us, and we can once again put all of our focus on continuing to grow True Temper’s golf and performance sports businesses,” Hennessy said. “We fully expect to see a continued recovery in our business during the remainder of 2009 and into 2010.”

True Temper, which filed for Chapter 11 Oct. 8, brought in a new group of investors to pay off its bank loans completely, Hennessy said. The other lenders are receiving equity in the company in exchange for eliminating the company's debt to them.

The chapter petition was filed with the bankruptcy court to speed up the process, Hennessy said.

Memphis-based True Temper is a private company and employs nearly 1,000 people in 10 facilities located throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. As well as making golf shafts, it markets golf shafts and other recreational sports products under the True Temper, Grafalloy, Royal Precision and Alpha Q brands.

True Temper launches new web site

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The world's leading golf shaft manufacturer, True Temper has launched its all-new Web site (www.truetemper.com) to showcase the most successful line of golf shafts in the history of the game. The new site offers strong full-screen visuals, brand-specific news and information, a media player and easy navigation for golfers to learn more about the most popular shafts on the pro tours.

Shafts designed and manufactured by True Temper Sports have been number one on the PGA Tour for more than 70 years. The new True Temper web site delivers the latest information on the company's tour success and shaft designs - from the world-renowned Dynamic Gold to the all-new, super lightweight GS95.

"As the world leader in innovative, high-performance golf shafts, we are dedicated to leading the industry in providing golfers of all skill levels the resources they need to find the best shaft for their game," says Scott Hennessy, president and CEO of True Temper Sports. "True Temper is in the enviable and exciting position to have big news to share with golfers on a weekly basis, from tour wins to R&D breakthroughs. The new True Temper site will serve as a central hub for this information and a one-stop shop for anyone looking for the most current information on the products, Tour news, shaft technologies and custom fitting options."

The new site is a part of the True Temper's global electronic initiative which also includes social media platforms, web-based loyalty programs, quarterly e-newsletters and partnerships with several media outlets to expand the company's online presence.

With manufacturing facilities and offices located throughout the world, True Temper retains the largest market share globally in golf shafts. True Temper brands, particularly Dynamic Gold, dominate world tour headlines week after week more than all other shaft brands combined. True Temper shafts have won 36 PGA TOUR events this season alone, including all four of the PGA TOUR major events.

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.

This coincides with Golf Shafts Asia new website launch www.golfshaftsasia.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 to become a dealer of True Temper golf shafts

Graphite Design shaft helps winner of Samsung World Championship

SAN DIEGO, CA - September 23, 2009 - Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, announced that the winner of the Samsung World Championship played Graphite Design's Tour AD YS shaft in her hybrid.

"Congratulations to the winner of the Samsung World Championship on her first victory on the LPGA Tour," said Mr. Tak Yamada, vice president, corporate planning, Graphite Design. "We pride ourselves in making the highest quality performance shafts on the market and we are pleased that she has helped validate our technology and design with this victory."
Graphite Design Tour AD shafts have been a popular choice for LPGA Tour Players and have consistently been one of the top three wood shafts played on the LPGA Tour. In addition, Graphite Design is the most dominant shaft on the JPGA tour and has been for the past six years.


The company's Tour AD shafts have been historically requested by some of the best players in the world. Tour AD stands for Accuracy and Distance, and is a moniker that has long been known for high quality and superior performance. This is represented by the company's success which has been documented by professionals and amateurs alike.
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 65 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 all of golf's major OEMs. Graphite Design shafts continue to be preferred by top club makers the world over while the company's mainstay YSQ and YSQst, Stabilized Tip shafts, Aura shafts and other models are extremely popular among avid and occasional golfers. For more information about Graphite Design, call 888.707.6132, e-mail info@gdintl.com, or visit www.gdintl.com.

Project X shafts announces creating new presence on Facebook

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- After recently launching its all-new website at www.PXshaft.com, Project X shafts are now welcoming golfers and custom clubfitters to become fans of Project X on Facebook and share their excitement for high-performance golf equipment. Project X's new presence on Facebook will increase communication opportunities for golf equipment enthusiasts around the world.

Project X shafts are played by the world's best golfers and have already chalked up 13 wins on the pro tours this season. The launch of the new Project X Facebook page allows golfers and custom clubfitters to share information with others through the acclaimed social networking site and to receive online updates about Project X.

"A recent National Golf Federation survey found that 88 percent of golfers are online everyday keeping up with friends and sharing helpful information. We are excited to work within an innovative venue such as Facebook to be a part of this daily dialogue," says Lauren Carr, marketing communications coordinator for True Temper Sports. "True Temper is dedicated to being the leader in providing information about golf shafts and custom fitting. We will continue to expand our communication in as many venues as possible to share our knowledge and enthusiasm for golf."

To become a fan of Project X on Facebook, visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Project-X/111151851352?ref=ts or simply go to www.facebook.com and visit the Project X page. Facebook fans can receive up-to-date information on Project X shafts, contests and giveaways and be the first to see new 'online exclusive' news from pro tours around the world.
By becoming a fan of Project X, users can upload their success stories playing Project X shafts, share golf tips, favorite courses and other information pertinent to fellow golfers and golf gear enthusiasts. Also visit www.golfshaftsasia.com to join Golf Shafts Asia on facebook and twitter.

For more information on Project X shafts, visit www.PXshaft.com or follow Project X on Twitter at twitter.com/ProjectXGolf .
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

Aldila sweeps woods, hybrids golf shaft counts at 8 straight FedEx Cup events

For the past two years no company has had more wood and hybrid shafts in play at a FedEx Cup Playoff event than Aldila, according to the Darrell Survey.

At the The Tour Championship, final FedEx Cup event, "The Hottest Shafts In Golf" seared the competition by winning both the wood and hybrid shaft manufacturer counts to make it eight consecutive FedEx Cup Playoff events that they have won both counts. Aldila's hybrid shafts were so popular among the Top 30 that they won the hybrid count by more than 4 to 1 margin over the next leading shaft manufacturer.

In addition to winning the counts at every FedEx Cup Playoff event for the past two years, Aldila was also the most popular shaft manufacturer for wood and hybrid shafts at all four Major Championships in 2009, according to the Darrell Survey. Players using Aldila shafts also won the Masters and the PGA Championship.


On the Nationwide Tour, the winner of the WNB Golf Classic used Aldila's VS Proto™ to help post his second career victory and also secure his PGA Tour card for 2010. He finished with a 20-under 268=(64-69-67-68) to win by one stroke and receive a check for $94,500, which moved him into 6th place on the 2009 Nationwide Tour Money list. At the end of the 2009 Nationwide Tour season, players inside the Top 25 on the Money List earn PGA Tour cards for the 2010 season.

Also at the WNB Golf Classic, the fifth place finisher made the switch to Aldila's RIP in his driver and went from 99th to 4th in driving accuracy. His new found accuracy helped him post his best finish of the 2009 season.

"RIP is Aldila's new shaft technology that provides a lower torque, increased tip stability and better tip stiffness control," said Stewart Bahl, Aldila's Marketing Manager. "The RIP is currently undergoing testing on the PGA Tour and is scheduled to be launched next year through some of the major OEM's product lines."

Led by their number one shaft, the VooDoo®, Aldila also captured the wood and hybrid shaft counts on at the WNB Golf Classic to remain the #1 shaft on Tour.

What sets the VooDoo apart is its patent-pending S-core Technology™ (stabilized core) designed to maximize distance and provide outstanding accuracy. The real "magic" is the high modulus carbon stabilization rib running the length of the shaft. The innovative rib structure keeps the shaft more concentric, preventing shaft ovaling, deformation and wasted energy during the golf swing. The Aldila VooDoo simply helps generate consistently straight and long shots - with feel competitor shafts can't match.

Aldila has the unique ability to define the intangibles of the game of golf. To translate numbers into theory, theory into practice, and practice into perfection. They do the experimenting so you don't have to. Pushing success to the edge and redefining how power should feel. Are you playing Aldila, or just graphite?

Aldila Golf Shafts Media Release. For more information about Aldila Golf Shafts visit Asia's leading golf shaft distributor Golf Shafts Asia.

GS95 ends search for lightweight steel shaft

The original lightweight steel shafts weren’t so light and weren’t so good. They felt brittle. They felt harsh. Skilled players largely stayed away from them, and the 130-gram True Temper Dynamic remained the industry standard.

The search for a great steel iron shaft weighing less than 100 grams continued, though, and eventually Nippon solved the puzzle with the 95-gram NS Pro 950. This steel alloy shaft is used by many skilled players as well as those with higher handicaps.

Lightweight steel shafts from True Temper have grown better and better. The Dynamic Gold SL (SuperLight) shaft, for example, weighs about 106 grams.


Now True Temper has unveiled its best and most versatile lightweight steel offering, the new GS95. A variety of golfers should be attracted to this shaft.

The mission here was to design a shaft that performs like steel but feels like graphite. Easier said than done, but the True Temper GS95 available at www,golfshaftsasia.com is an extraordinary shaft, particularly for golfers who want to hit higher iron shots.

The constant-weight shaft (95 grams for every iron) is available in parallel-tip and taper-tip versions. It is a stock option on Mizuno’s new MX-1000 Hot Metal irons.

The most impressive number in modern iron shafts is 95, whether it is Nippon’s NS 950 or True Temper’s GS95.

The retail price of the GS95 from aftermarket suppliers is about $19 per shaft. Get more information about True Temper Golf Shafts from www.golfshaftasia.com

What Golf Shaft is Right For You?

The days of simply choosing a golf shaft by either graphite or steel, regular or stiff flex are long over. There are hundreds of current shaft models out there that all perform differently during the swing. Which one is right for you? Here is how to find out!

1. Club Head Speed: Finding how fast you swing the club is the first step. You can do this a number of ways, but the simplest is to go to a golf pro or club fitter with the tools to measure this. You will be asked to warm up with a few shots, then asked to swing your 5 iron a few times, then your driver a few times. The pro will get the average of the two and give you the proper shaft flex you should be playing. With there being 5 shaft flexes out there today, (Ladies, Senior, Regular, Stiff, Extra Stiff) it is very important to have this variable measured properly.

2. Ball Flight: The shafts that are out there today are not what your father was playing with 15 years ago. There are so many different characteristics to shafts that it is almost impossible to keep up! There are shafts that will have a softer tip section which gives a little "kick" at the point of impact which generally sends the ball a little higher (generally for slower swing speeds). There are also firm tip sections that will do the exact opposite and hit the ball lower. (generally for faster swing speeds).


3. Spin Rate: The amount of spin a shot generates is another important variable in shaft fitting. Too much spin and you will not gain the proper distance with a shot. Woods and irons will fly very high and very weak with a shaft that will give the player more spin. Too little spin and you will also not gain the maximum distance you can achieve due to the ball not staying airborne long enough. The key is to find a balance with how hard you are swinging, how much spin you are putting on the ball and the type of ball you are playing. Your club pro or club maker will be able to find a match for you that will give you a "high launch - low spin" ball flight to get the maximum distance out of your shot.

4. Length: This requires a lot of testing to find what you are comfortable with. I play a 44.5" driver shaft and irons that are standard. I play the shorter driver length because I am comfortable swinging the club fully and confident that the ball will be struck solid and fly straight every time. Too many times customers buy into the "demo dream" . They will hit the biggest most expensive driver with a shaft way too long for them, bomb it once out of 15 shots at the range or in the golf simulator and take it home that day. They don't care that the other 14 shots did not go very far, or even come close to staying on the range for that matter! Testing what length of shaft you can consistently hit solid and straight. If its shorter, thats fine, if you can take advantage of a longer shaft and still be able to square the ball up, even better.

These are just a few things that go into finding a golf shaft that works for you. If you have any questions, contact Tony or Anne from Golf Shafts Asia, the Golf Shaft Distributor Professionals in Asia.

How Graphite Golf Shafts Are Made

By Tom Wishon
Original Article here: http://www.mygolfspy.com/how-graphite-golf-shafts-made/

Materials
Graphite shafts start out as successive layers of graphite fibers held together by a resin (not unlike a form of epoxy) that is called a “binder” material. These sheets of graphite fiber-plus-binder material are called “pre-preg.” The graphite fibers used to make the pre-preg sheets can vary in strength and stiffness (called the “modulus” of the graphite material) to afford the shaft designer more creativity in the performance design of the shaft.
Forming the Shaft

Forming The Shaft
These pre-preg sheets of graphite-plus-binder are tightly wrapped around a solid steel forming mandrel (a mandrel is a metal rod around which other material is formed into shape). The mandrel dictates the inside diameter, or core, of the shaft. That diameter, plus the number of layers wrapped around the mandrel and the variety of pre-preg material used, determines the weight and stiffness of the shaft.

More layers wrapped around the mandrel equals greater wall thickness, which equals a stiffer and heavier shaft.

In addition, greater stiffness can also be achieved by using stronger and stiffer sheets of pre-preg. In this manner, the shaft walls can be thinner – but still have enough stiffness – to achieve a lighter weight in the shaft.
Curing the Shaft

Curing The Shaft
Once all the prescribed individual layers of the pre-preg graphite material are tightly wrapped around the forming mandrel, a thin wrap of cellophane is added over the shaft to hold the pre-preg layers in place. The shafts are then put into special ovens whose heat causes the binder material to slowly “melt,” fusing all the pre-preg layers together into one contiguous tube of graphite

After baking, the forming mandrel is pulled out of the inside of the shaft through the grip end of the shaft. The cellophane covering is stripped off, the shafts are sanded smooth on their surface and then painted in the cosmetic scheme dictated by the customer.

Golf Shaft Brands on Social Networks

Here's a list of the major golf shaft brands you can join on various social networks:

Follow Golf Shafts Asia on Twitter

Golf Shafts Asia on Facebook

Grafalloy on Facebook

True Temper on Facebook

Fujikura on Facebook

Project X on Twitter

Graphite Design on Twitter

GRAPHITE DESIGN ADDS A NEW ULTRALIGHT SHAFT TO ITS POPULAR YSQ LINE

Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, announced today that it has introduced a new YSQ 45 gram Ultralight shaft.

"The YSQ shaft continues to gain popularity on the professional tours and in the OEM community," said Tim Gillis, vice president, sales & marketing, Graphite Design. "Graphite design is proud to launch the YSQ design in a 45 gram Ultralight that is superior in performance for golfers looking to hit the ball longer. It is also ideal for golfers wanting a longer driver without the additional overall weight. It is available in a wide variety of flexes for every golfer."

The new YSQ 45 gram shaft is available in L, RR, R and S flexes. Graphite Design has also added a 55 gram shaft to the YSQ in L flex for the better female player.


With the launch of both the Tour AD YSQ in 2008 and the Tour AD YSQst in 2009, Graphite Design has seen the interest in its shafts increase significantly on all the professional Tours. YSQ shafts incorporate an exclusive technology called AXIAL COMPOSITE INTERLACE (ACI) technology. Graphite Design engineers have discovered that strategic orientation of fibers in multiple angles gives the golfer ultimate performance. The ACI technology stabilizes the club eliminating shaft deformation to enhance the playability of today's larger club heads. The enhancement leads to superior distance and unmatched accuracy in every shot.

The YSQst Stabilized Tip shaft features a more stable and stiffer tip to launch the ball lower and create the perfect descent angle to maximize distance for the players with 90 + swing speeds. Graphite Design has incorporated ACI technology into the YSQst to enhance the feel and stability of the shaft.

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.

Golf Shafts Asia has all the leading Graphite Design golf shafts available to selected golf dealers and retailers throughout Asia. Visit www.golfshaftsasia.com for more information.

Fujikura Introduces Motore Speeder

Ask Golf Shafts Asia about the latest pricing on the latest release golf shaft from Fujikura - the Motore Speeder.

True Temper Shafts Shine on European and Nationwide Tours

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Demonstrating dominance on professional tours around the globe, True Temper’s Dynamic Gold and Project X shafts grabbed victories on the European and Nationwide Tours this weekend, winning the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the Soboba Classic in San Jacinto, Calif.

On the European Tour, the English-born champion played Dynamic Gold SL shafts in his irons to score a three stroke victory and his second European win of the year.

Meanwhile on the Nationwide Tour, True Temper shafts claimed their 25th victory of the 2009 season, an unprecedented win percentage of 96 percent. The winner captured his first Nationwide Tour victory playing Dynamic Gold shafts in his irons and the new Project X graphite shaft in his hybrid club and five-wood.

"Time and time again this season, we have seen champions on the Nationwide and European Tours trust True Temper products to deliver consistency and accuracy," said Craig Nichols, tour representative for True Temper. "True Temper is dedicated to providing professional players with the best equipment and technology on tour. Dynamic Gold continues to dominate the bags of the top ten players each week while the popularity of our new Project X graphite shaft has really exploded since its introduction earlier this season."

True Temper has led the golf industry as the number one shaft manufacturer in the world for more than 100 years, and Dynamic Gold shafts have won more events than all other shafts combined. Featuring a high-flex, tour weight design, Dynamic Gold steel shafts are the top-selling shaft in golf and are preferred by skilled players seeking a low, penetrating ball flight. The all-new graphite Project X shaft delivers superior cross-sectional stability and maintains the designed performance characteristics throughout the swing for consistent shot patterns. In addition, the new Project X shaft provides optimized launch profiles by matching frequency to specific weight, torque and ball flight for maximum player performance.

Buy all the latest True Temper golf shafts from Golf Shafts Asia

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