Cleveland

Overview

Cleveland Golf manufactures golf clubs, equipment, and accessories, with a focus on wedges, irons, woods, and putters. It holds a leading position in the wedge market and offers a full range of clubs under brands like Launcher and RTX, alongside accessories. The brand is notable for its origins in replica classic clubs and ongoing presence in professional golf through players like Hideki Matsuyama and Brooks Koepka.¹³

History

Cleveland Golf was founded in 1979 as Cleveland Classics by club designer Roger Cleveland, initially producing replicas of 1940s and 1950s golf clubs.¹³ In 1990, Skis Rossignol acquired the company and renamed it Cleveland Golf, leading to growth with products like VAS woods and irons.³ Quiksilver purchased Rossignol's assets in 2005 and sold Cleveland Golf to Dunlop Sport (now under Sumitomo Rubber Industries) in 2007.¹³

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are designed at the Huntington Beach, California headquarters, with manufacturing handled through Dunlop Sports Americas facilities in the US and likely overseas by Sumitomo Rubber Industries affiliates in Japan and elsewhere.¹³

Notable Products

• RTX Wedges - Leading wedge series with multiple iterations known for spin and versatility in professional play.
• 588 Wedges / CG Series - Historical wedge line that established market leadership.
• Smart Sole Wedges - Wedge designed for forgiveness from rough and bunkers.
• Launcher HB Turbo Irons - Game-improvement irons emphasizing distance.
• Frontline Elite Putters - Putters with speed-optimized face for consistent roll.

Reputation

Cleveland Golf is regarded by enthusiasts and professionals for wedge performance and innovation, with strengths in spin control and feel, as evidenced by tour usage from players like Brooks Koepka.¹ Critics note less dominance in drivers compared to wedges, though Launcher lines provide solid value for average golfers.¹ The brand maintains a reliable mid-tier reputation in custom fitting and accessories.¹