After nearly 30 years as the main designer of the club in Callaway, the famous wedge designer Roger Cleveland is going home.
Cleveland Golf is announcing that Cleveland will return to the company he founded in 1979. His official title will be “Founder and Advisor”.
“We are absolutely excited to welcome Roger back to the family,” says Cleveland Marketing VP Chris Kircher. “His deep -rooted story with our brand does not only a return home, but a special moment to be able to reunite with one of the most iconic Golf names.”
“Returning to Cleveland Golf is a special moment for me,” Cleveland said in a press release. “This company has always been close to my heart and I am excited to contribute once again to its inheritance of innovation and performance.”
The company says Cleveland will be staging and collaborating with its PGA Tour and R&D teams as an adviser. It will provide contribution to new products and design ideas.
Roger Cleveland/Cleveland Golf Backsory
Can surprise the youngest players that Golf Cleveland There is nothing to do with northern Ohio, the Cuyahoga River or Drew Carey. Roger Cleveland founded the company in 1979 as Cleveland Classics Golf Company specialized in reproductions. His first product was a recreation of Bobby Jones Jane Putter disaster. The company expanded its business to Persimmon Woods, cuffs and wedges. Eventually it would rename the Golf Company Roger Cleveland itself and be known on the market as Cleveland Golf.
In 1988, Cleveland made its mark when launching iconic wedge Cleveland 588. 588 and its descendants would claim more than 400 PGA Tour wins since then including 33 degrees. Two years later, Cleveland sold his company to French ski manufacturer Rossignol. He would leave the company in 1995, saying in later interviews that he was “the door showed”. Cleveland joined Callaway shortly thereafter as the main designer of the Golf Club. He is trusted to insert Callaway into the fake wedge business.
Callaway and Cleveland Golf would block horns in 2013. That year, Cleveland filed a lawsuit for trademark violations over Callaway mack dad 2 wedge. Those sports wedges “designed by Roger Cleveland” on the back. Cleveland Golf was, and still, officially listed as Roger Cleveland Golf Company.
Cleveland spent nearly 30 years with Callaway before sharing ways last year. Last March, Cleveland was included in the Socal Golf Fame Hall. Incidentally, the 2024 fame hall also included Ely Callaway.
Does what does this mean for Cleveland Golf?
The founder’s return to his company after 30 years is certainly angry. The question is whether Roger Cleveland’s role as “founder and advisor” will be true or just ceremonial. There is no denial of Cleveland’s legendary status as a club designer. He will undoubtedly bring his unique perspective, penetration and knowledge to Golf Cleveland Design team.
Cleveland Golf finds himself in a special position in 2025. As part of the Srixon-Cleveland-XXIO triumvirate, it is a second-level OEM after Big Five. Over the past decade, Cleveland has positioned itself as a line for improving the game for cuffs, metal metals and putters. At the same time, it is trying to maintain its position as a premium wedge line. This is an excellent balanced act.
Will Roger Cleveland move the needle for his company? Is unlikely. However, any company adding a Roger Cleveland is forced to benefit from its knowledge and contribution. This can only help the final products.
Meanwhile, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a nice good story.
office Roger Cleveland returns to Cleveland Golf first appeared in MygolfSSS.
