SCHAUMBURG, Illinois (November 12, 2008) - Nippon Shaft today announced the introduction of its first new graphite shaft designed specifically for hybrid utility clubs as well as 3 and 4 irons.

The Nippon Shaft N.S. Pro RIZY comes in weights of 65 or 75 grams, depending on player preference, and is designed to promote a higher ball flight and softer-landing shots for longer clubs, said Hiroyuki Fukuda, head of sales and marketing for Nippon Shaft USA. It will be available through Shaftology (www.shaftology.com) and other designated custom club fitters.

"Two of the more important skills in golf are the ability to control distance and the ability to control trajectory," Fukuda said. "The N.S. Pro RIZY is a graphite shaft designed to help golfers control distance and trajectory, resulting in more accuracy. Players will be able to hit higher and softer shots that hold the green. Even players with slower swing speeds can have optimum trajectory."

According to Fukuda, the new graphite shaft is an extension of Nippon Shaft's lightweight steel shaft line, which includes the famed N.S. Pro 950, the N.S. Pro 850, and the N.S. Pro 105 - which weigh 95, 85 and 105 grams, respectively. Like all other Nippon Shaft products, the RIZY graphite shaft will be made at Nippon Shaft's manufacturing facility in Yokohama, Japan. The word RIZY is a combination of the words "Rise Easy."

The weight distribution in the RIZY provides the kind of feel a player might expect from more traditional clubs, with the weight of the shaft balanced toward the grip and a soft mid-section, Fukuda said.

Nippon Shaft's highly successful lightweight steel shafts have been a dominant force in the Asian market for many years and have gained widespread respect and acceptance in North America, where Nippon Shaft is the No. 2 steel shaft manufacturer.

Nippon Shaft is the No. 1-selling steel shaft in Asia with more than 80 percent of the market and ranks No. 2 in North America. Currently, more than 100 touring professionals worldwide use Nippon Shaft products, resulting in more than 50 victories in the last three years, Fukuda said.

Nippon Shaft is a subsidiary of privately held NHK, a Japanese automobile parts manufacturer based in Yokohama, Japan. Nippon Shaft's North American headquarters is in Schaumburg, Illinois.