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Who Owns Cleveland Golf? The Full Story Explained
Wondering who really pulls the strings behind Cleveland Golf’s iconic wedges and innovative clubs? You’re not alone. The brand’s ownership has a complex history that can be confusing, leaving many golfers questioning if it’s an American or Japanese company, and how it relates to other big names like Srixon and Dunlop. This guide will unravel the complete story, providing a clear and definitive answer.
Cleveland Golf is owned by SRI Sports Limited, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. This acquisition in 2007 integrated Cleveland into a powerful golf portfolio alongside its sister brands, Srixon and XXIO.
Leveraging extensive analysis of corporate records and industry reports, this guide unpacks the entire ownership journey of Cleveland Golf. We’ll trace its path from a small boutique founded by a visionary club maker to its current status as a key player within a global sporting goods giant. You’ll discover the different companies that have owned the brand, the impact of these changes, and the exciting recent return of its original founder.
Key Facts
- Current Ownership: Cleveland Golf is owned by SRI Sports Limited, a subsidiary of the Japanese company Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which acquired the brand in December 2007.
- Original Founding: The company was founded in 1979 by Roger Cleveland, not as Cleveland Golf, but as “Cleveland Classics,” specializing in high-quality replicas of famous golf clubs.
- American Roots, Not Location: Despite its name, the company has no connection to Cleveland, Ohio. It was named after its founder, and its headquarters are located in Huntington Beach, California.
- A Family of Brands: Under its parent company, Cleveland Golf operates alongside well-known sister brands Srixon and XXIO, all managed in North America by Dunlop Sports Americas.
- The Founder’s Return: In a significant recent development reported by sources like Golfweek, founder Roger Cleveland has returned to the company as an advisor, focusing on product innovation.
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Who Owns Cleveland Golf? The Direct Answer
Cleveland Golf is owned by SRI Sports Limited, a subsidiary of the Japanese company Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. This acquisition took place in 2007 and integrated Cleveland into a portfolio with sister brands Srixon and XXIO.
Let’s break that down. The ultimate parent company is Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a massive Japanese corporation. They operate their sports division through a company called SRI Sports Limited. It was SRI Sports that officially purchased Cleveland Golf in December 2007, making it a key part of their growing golf empire. This means when you see Cleveland Golf products, you’re looking at a brand that shares technology, research, and corporate ownership with other respected names like Srixon and XXIO.
“Since becoming a member of the DUNLOP Group in 2007, Cleveland Golf has taken advantage of its combination of classic design beauty and DUNLOP’s cutting-edge technology.”
This strategic move brought Cleveland’s renowned expertise, particularly in the short game, under the umbrella of a global manufacturing powerhouse, giving it the resources to continue innovating for golfers worldwide.
The Founder’s Return: Why Roger Cleveland is Back in the Picture
The original founder, Roger Cleveland, has recently returned to Cleveland Golf as a founder and advisor, focusing on product design and innovation, particularly in the brand’s famous wedges.
In a move that excited the golf world, the man who started it all is back. Roger Cleveland’s return marks a significant new chapter for the brand he created over 40 years ago. According to reports from industry sources like Golfweek and SGB Online, he is taking an active advisory role, lending his legendary expertise to the next generation of product development.
This isn’t just a ceremonial title. His hands-on involvement signals a renewed focus on the design principles and craftsmanship that first made the brand famous. Dunlop Sports celebrated the event with a simple, powerful message:
“Welcome Home, Roger.”
This reunion of founder and company promises to blend the brand’s rich heritage with the advanced technological backing of Sumitomo Rubber Industries. But to understand the impact of his return, we first need to look at the company’s journey. So, how did it all begin?
The Complete Cleveland Golf Ownership History: A Timeline
Cleveland Golf’s ownership has evolved through four key phases: founding by Roger Cleveland (1979), acquisition by Skis Rossignol (1990), then Quiksilver (2005), and finally SRI Sports/Sumitomo Rubber in 2007.
The path from a small, independent company to a global brand involved several major shifts in ownership. Each new owner brought a different vision and set of resources to the table, shaping the company into what it is today.
Quick Fact: The company wasn’t always called Cleveland Golf. It started as ‘Cleveland Classics,’ specializing in replicas of famous clubs.
Here is a clear, chronological breakdown of the company’s ownership history.
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The Beginning: Roger Cleveland & Cleveland Classics (1979-1990)
Founded in 1979 by Roger Cleveland as Cleveland Classics, the company initially focused on producing high-quality replicas of classic golf clubs.
The story of who owns Cleveland Golf begins with one man: Roger Cleveland. In 1979, he founded Cleveland Classics in California. His initial business model was built on a deep appreciation for the game’s history, meticulously crafting beautiful and functional reproductions of classic golf clubs from the 1940s and 1950s. This focus on quality and classic design laid the foundation for the brand’s future reputation. -
The Rossignol & Quiksilver Era (1990-2007)
In 1990, Skis Rossignol acquired the company, renaming it Cleveland Golf. Ownership later transferred to Quiksilver, Inc. in 2005 as part of a larger asset acquisition.
This period saw Cleveland Golf move from its independent roots into the world of corporate ownership under two different parent companies known for action sports, not golf.- Skis Rossignol (1990): The French ski equipment manufacturer purchased the company and officially changed its name to “Cleveland Golf.” This move aimed to expand Rossignol’s portfolio into another sporting goods category. Roger Cleveland himself stayed on as a senior executive in club design until 1995, continuing to influence the products.
- Quiksilver, Inc. (2005): The popular surfwear and board-sport brand acquired Rossignol’s portfolio of companies, which included Cleveland Golf. Quiksilver’s ownership was relatively short-lived, as the company soon decided to divest its winter sports and golf assets to refocus on its core business.
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The Modern Era: Sumitomo Rubber Industries Takes Over (2007-Present)
Since December 2007, Cleveland Golf has been owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries and operates under its Dunlop Sports Americas subsidiary alongside sister brands Srixon and XXIO.
The modern era for Cleveland Golf began in December 2007 when Dunlop Sport, a part of SRI Sports Limited and a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, purchased the company from Quiksilver. This acquisition was a game-changer, placing Cleveland Golf within a stable of powerful, dedicated golf brands with immense technological and R&D backing. Today, the North American operations are consolidated under a single entity.Pro Tip: When you see Srixon, XXIO, and Cleveland Golf together, remember they are all part of the same family under Dunlop Sports Americas.
The key brands under the Dunlop Sports Americas umbrella now include:
- Cleveland Golf: Renowned for its leadership in wedges and game-improvement clubs.
- Srixon: Known for its premium golf balls and tour-proven clubs.
- XXIO: A leader in the premium, lightweight equipment category designed for moderate swing speed golfers.
To experience the innovation that defines the brand, from its legendary wedges to game-improvement irons, exploring their latest offerings is a great next step.
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FAQs About Cleveland Golf’s Ownership and Brand
Is Cleveland Golf owned by Dunlop?
Yes, in a way. Dunlop Sport purchased Cleveland Golf in 2007. Both are brands under the umbrella of SRI Sports Limited, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries. In North America, the brands are all managed by a company called Dunlop Sports Americas, solidifying this close relationship.
Is Cleveland Golf a Japanese brand?
While Cleveland Golf was founded in the USA and has its headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, it is owned by a Japanese company, Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Therefore, it is best described as an American-founded brand with Japanese ownership, benefiting from the technological prowess of its parent company.
Who is the CEO of Cleveland Golf?
Cleveland Golf operates as part of Dunlop Sports Americas (DSA), the North American subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Leadership is typically structured at the DSA level, which oversees the Cleveland, Srixon, and XXIO brands, rather than having a standalone CEO for the Cleveland brand itself.
Does Cleveland Golf have anything to do with Cleveland, Ohio?
No, Cleveland Golf has no connection to Cleveland, Ohio. This is a common point of confusion. The company was named after its founder, Roger Cleveland, and its corporate headquarters have always been in California, currently in Huntington Beach.
The Full Story: Understanding Cleveland Golf’s Place in the Industry Today
The answer to who owns Cleveland Golf is clear: the Japanese global powerhouse Sumitomo Rubber Industries. But the full story is much richer. It’s a tale of an American brand, born from a founder’s passion for classic design, that journeyed through different corporate parents before finding its modern home alongside Srixon and XXIO. This stability has allowed it to flourish, leveraging global R&D while maintaining its identity as a leader in wedge design and game-improvement technology.
The recent return of founder Roger Cleveland completes the circle, injecting his original vision and unparalleled expertise back into the company’s DNA. This unique combination of foundational wisdom and corporate strength positions Cleveland Golf for an exciting future.
- The Core Identity: Cleveland Golf began with Roger Cleveland’s vision for quality and classic design in 1979.
- The Corporate Journey: Ownership by Skis Rossignol and Quiksilver marked its middle years before the pivotal 2007 acquisition.
- The Global Powerhouse: Today, it is a key brand within Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ sports division, benefiting from shared technology with Srixon and XXIO.
- The Founder’s Influence: With Roger Cleveland back as an advisor, the brand is poised to blend its heritage with cutting-edge innovation.
With the founder’s expertise back in the fold, what innovations are you most excited to see from Cleveland Golf next?
Last update on 2025-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
