Posted March 27, 2025 in Products and Brands by Rob Lyon
He’s back – and the world of golf equipment just got a lot more interesting.
In a move that’s already buzzing across the golf world, legendary club designer Roger Cleveland has returned to the company that bears his name. Cleveland Golf, known for its trusted wedge performance and innovation, as well as a full lineup of irons, drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids, announced that Cleveland is rejoining the team as Founder & Advisor, reuniting him with the brand he first launched in 1979.
It’s a full-circle moment for one of golf’s most respected club designers – returning to the brand where his legacy took shape.
From Calamity Jane to Global Impact
Roger Cleveland’s journey began humbly enough: recreating Bobby Jones’ famed Calamity Jane putter. That club sparked enough interest to turn his passion into a career, and before long, he was crafting persimmon woods that set a new standard in club-making. What started as Cleveland Classics Golf Company eventually became Cleveland Golf, and under Roger’s direction, the brand carved out a distinct reputation for precision, performance, and quality.
By the late ’80s, his 588 Wedge helped rewrite the short game playbook, and it’s no exaggeration to say the wedge category hasn’t looked the same since. That one club led to over 15 million wedges sold worldwide and helped deliver more than 400 PGA TOUR victories.
Many of those clubs found their way into golfers’ hands through retailers such as Worldwide Golf, where Cleveland’s designs have long been trusted favorites. To this day, Cleveland wedges remain a top seller at Worldwide Golf, especially among players looking to upgrade their short game with premium craftsmanship.
A Return to Roots
After decades of shaping the golf equipment landscape – including a long run with Callaway where he led the charge on Tour-proven wedge design – Roger Cleveland is heading back to where it all started.
“Coming back to Cleveland Golf is a special moment for me,” Cleveland said. “This company has always been close to my heart, and I’m excited to contribute once again to its legacy of innovation and performance.”
In his new role, Roger will be working closely with the Tour and R&D teams, offering input on future designs while keeping the feel and craftsmanship that golfers know and trust front and center.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Roger back to the family,” said Chris Kircher, Vice President of Marketing at Cleveland Golf. “His deep-rooted history with our brand makes this not just a homecoming, but a special moment to be able to rejoin forces with one of the most iconic names in golf.”
What It Means for Golfers
The wedge game has always been about feel, grind, and nuance – something Roger Cleveland has never lost sight of. His influence has helped players of all levels improve their short-game strategy and confidence.
Now, with Cleveland back advising the brand that helped launch his career, golfers can expect to see new ideas inspired by old-school craftsmanship and Tour-tested input. The timing couldn’t be better, especially as Cleveland Golf continues to build on its legacy with a new wave of designs and technologies.
The homecoming marks a new wave of momentum, driven by experience, vision, and a deep connection to the game.
Roger Cleveland is once again shaping the future of wedge design – and he’s doing it with the company that helped him shape the past. Keep an eye on Worldwide Golf for upcoming Cleveland Golf releases influenced by Roger’s return – you won’t want to miss what’s next.