Design Legend Roger Cleveland Returns to Where it all Began

When it comes to golf club designers and builders being recognized simply by their name, the list is pretty short: Karsten Solheim, Scotty Cameron, Bob Vokey, Mike Taylor. But, one more name golfers have recognized for over 40 years is Roger Cleveland who founded Cleveland in 1979 and led the company until 1995. Announced today, Roger is once again back with Cleveland Golf - the place where it all began.

When the company first started, the focus was on persimmon woods - Cleveland Classics are highly regarded in the persimmon club world to this day, but it hit a whole new stride when Roger unveiled the first 588 wedges in 1988. Since then, Cleveland wedges have been used to win more than 400 times on the PGA Tour, and 33 Majors Championships.

Ever wonder where the name 588 came from in the first place?

The "5" comes from the fact that it was the 5th wedge design released by the company and the "88" is because it was launched in 1988 - yep, it's that simple.

This return to where it all began marks a big step for both Roger and Cleveland Golf - which now lives under the Dunlop Sports America umbrella that also includes Srixon, XXIO, and Never Compromise. Roger will contribute to the design process of new products and also share his knowledge with the rest of the R&D team with the title Founder and Advisor.

Coming back to Cleveland Golf is a special moment for me. This company has always been close to my heart, and I’m excited to contribute once again to its legacy of innovation and performance. The brand has built a trusted reputation among golfers worldwide and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here to continue to push boundaries of design even further.

- Roger Cleveland

What Does it All Mean?

For Cleveland Golf and the man whose name adorns the products they create, this feels like a proper realignment. On a personal level, as much as it might seem like an odd thing to say when it comes to the golf club world, it as true feel good story.

Anyone who has had the chance to work and speak with Roger Cleveland knows that, beyond being a clever designer, he is probably one of the kindest and generous people in the golf industry, and seeing him be celebrated at the company he founded just feels right.