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After recently reviewing Wilson, Tour Edge, and PXG, we were tasked with the question, Are Cleveland Golf Clubs Good? In this article, our golf expert provides key details before you buy.
Cleveland has manufactured quality, affordable golf clubs for amateurs and professional golfers for four decades. In this post, I share my experience with the brand and determine if Cleveland golf clubs are good and who should swing them.
After reading our review, you will know what golf clubs Cleveland makes, what players they suit, and whether any PGA Tour Champions golf pros use their golf clubs.
The Cleveland Golf Company Story
Roger Cleveland founded the brand with his name in 1980. His initial goal was to develop quality Persimmon woods, something Roger believed the behemoth brands like Spalding, Wilson, and Macgregor were failing in.
Fast forward 40-plus years, and Cleveland stocks a wealth of forgiving, easy-launching drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters.
Cleveland wedges are arguably their most prized asset, known for their exceptional spin, soft feel, and controlled launch. Most Cleveland sponsored players only use the Cleveland golf wedges.
What Pro Golfers Use Cleveland Clubs?
Some of the more well-known professional golfers that use Cleveland golf clubs include the following players:
- Brooks Koepka
- Hideki Matsuyama
- Ernie Els
- Shane Lowry
- Keegan Bradley
- Graeme McDowell
However, these pros only use Cleveland wedges, given the high forgiveness and oversized designs of their woods, hybrids, and irons.
Players contracted to Cleveland often have a dual agreement with one of SRI Sports subsidiaries like Srixon or in the case of Ernie Els, XXIO.
The Roger Cleveland Legacy
Roger Cleveland created the now household brand bearing his last name in 1980. He originally dedicated his energy to designing high-end persimmon woods, and he got so good at it that he attracted interest from potential buyers.
After Roger sold the company and was ousted from his duties, he assumed a role with Callaway, where he has gained legendary status as a golf club designer.
The Rossignol Sale
In 1990, after 10 years of operations, Cleveland decided to sell the brand to ski equipment manufacturer Rossignol. Although it ensured a healthy bank balance for the club designer, it would lead to his demise with the brand.
Rossignol booted Roger from his duties with Cleveland and thus his own creation. However, he did not need to wait long for his next opportunity.
After vacating his offices at Cleveland, fierce rival Callaway learned of the news. Ely and co jumped at the opportunity and offered Roger a role at the home of the Big Bertha.
SRI Sports Limited
Rossignol remained in control of Cleveland through the nineties and into the early 2000s. However, the company was sold to Quicksilver in 2005, and the surf behemoths proceeded to offload Cleveland to SRI Sports Limited 2 years later.
SRI Sports is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which is a global mega-company with interests in rubber, energy, and infrastructure projects.
4 Things That Make Cleveland Golf a Great Golf Club Manufacturer
1. Affordable Golf Clubs
Throughout my years on the golf course, Cleveland has also offered sublime value for money. I often find their prices are half that of competitor brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, or Ping.
2. Exceptional Forgiveness
Woods, hybrids, irons, and putters in the Cleveland stable have gifted me ample forgiveness over the years. The oversized clubheads, maximum moment of inertia (MOI), and low and deep center of gravity make them easy to launch high, long, and straight.
Although they manufacture forgiving wedges, I find them more playable than their fairway woods, irons, hybrids, irons, and putters.
3. Outstanding Wedges
Cleveland wedges are arguably the brand’s most popular asset for their durability, spin, feel, and control. They are the only clubs from the brand which are not heavily oversized and promote more playability than forgiveness.
4. Easy Launching Long Clubs
I find the elevated MOI levels and low and deep CG in Cleveland’s long clubs promote an easy-launching golf shot. The stability of the clubface at contact preserves ball speed, containing spin to generate a towering launch, consistent flight, and carry distance.
The Best Selling Cleveland Golf Clubs
Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
Updated on 2024-04-26
Best Cleveland Driver
In my experience, the Cleveland Launcher XL driver is the best big stick from the Cleveland Golf Drivers line.
This brand is known for its stability, forgiveness, launch, and accuracy. The XL design expanded the sweet spot and helped me preserve ball velocity and minimize spin on heel and toe mishits.
The added MOI enabled Cleveland engineers to push the CG low and deep to encourage consistent elevation after leaving the clubface. My consistency received a further boost from the dual alternating flex zones.
Thanks to the clubface flex, I optimized energy transfer on most shots to impart ample speed and low spin on the golf ball. It is not the longest driver I have launched, but it is incredibly consistent.
PROS
- Maximum Forgiveness
- Easy launching driver
- More affordable drover compared to premium brands
- Expanded sweet spot (game improvement clubs)
- Adjustable hosel
CONS
- The extra large oversize head is not for everybody
- The high launching nature may cause faster swing speeds to balloon shots.
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Best Cleveland Fairway Wood
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood
Updated on 2024-04-27
Best Fairway Wood
Of all the Cleveland Fairway woods, I find the Launcher XL Halo provides the cleanest turf interaction, optimal forgiveness, impressive velocity, low to medium spin launch, and a towering blast off the clubface.
The XL head is equipped with increased MOI to resist twisting and promote a square clubface at impact. Cleveland engineers also took the chance to lower the CG and encourage higher ball flight off the tee and on approach.
I thoroughly enjoyed the efficiency of the Gliderail design, which propelled the sole across tight and rough lies to promote rapid Clubhead speed and clean contact.
Once my clubface reached the golf ball, the Rebound Frame kicked in. It produced a combination of flex and stability in alternating zones to maximize energy transfer and ball speed while restricting spin.
Lofts: 15°, 18°, 21°
PROS
- Clean turf interaction
- Generates rapid ball speed
- Encourages a high launch
- Game improvement clubs
- Maximum Forgiveness
- Affordable
CONS
- The oversized head was not my cup of tea
- Minimal workability
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Best Cleveland Hybrid
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-27
Best Golf Hybrid
Sticking with the theme of oversized clubs, the Launcher XL Halo is my top Cleveland hybrid for its accuracy, forgiveness, and clean turf interaction. I found this hybrid incredibly easy to launch straight and high while prompting a sharp descent to land rapidly on approach.
Cleveland engineers opted for their successful XL head design on the hybrid for outstanding MOI. It aided me in minimizing twist during my swing to get the clubface square at contact for a straight, accurate approach shot.
Once again, the Rebound Frame played an integral role in my consistency, enhancing energy transfer from clubface to ball. I found myself imparting sufficient speed on the golf ball for satisfactory results on mishits.
The consistency of my ball striking received an additional boost from the Action Mass CB weight. Cleveland applied 8 grams at the end of the grip to improve stability, energy transfer ball velocity, and low spin.
Lofts: 18°, 21°, 27°
PROS
- Easy launching golf club
- Clean turf interaction
- Outstanding stability
- Maximizes energy transfer
- Soft landing
CONS
- The oversized design is not the prettiest
- The offset reduced my ability to shape shots
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Best Cleveland Irons
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Iron Set
Updated on 2024-04-26
Best Cleveland Irons
The Launcher XL stands out as the best Cleveland irons for their affordability, forgiveness, clean turf interaction, and expansive sweet spot. While far from the prettiest irons around, they proved easy to launch and consistent, which mid and high handicappers will welcome.
Like the remainder of the XL Halo Irons, I found this Cleveland set delivered outstanding MOI to prevent twisting. They were a breeze to square up at contact and generate straight flight for improved accuracy on approach.
The Gliderail long irons and V-Shaped Sole short irons proved efficient through the turf, preventing the clubhead from digging into the ground. Its clean gliding design also prevented a loss of club head speed through the thick rough.
I thought the Mainframe construction effectively generated ball velocity on all strikes. The variable face thickness helped me boost energy transfer on all strikes for consistent pace, launch, and distance.
Sticking with launch, I welcomed the towering lift-off prompted by the Hibore Crown Step. It lowered the CG to encourage higher launch for senior golfers with slower swing speeds.
Ladies seeking an effortless launch can test the lighter version of the Launcher XL Halo Irons.
🏌️♂️Related: Top Golf Irons on the Market for Seniors
PROS
- High launching Cleveland set
- Maximum Forgiveness
- Clean turf Interaction
- Promoted straighter flight
- Stable at impact
CONS
- All hybrid set
- The offset minimizes workability
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Best Cleveland Wedge
Cleveland RTX ZipCore Wedges
Updated on 2024-04-26
Best Cleveland Wedge
Golf Wedges are the pride and joy of Cleveland Golf. In my experience, the RTX ZipCore delivered the finest greenside performance owing to its outstanding spin, affordability, glare-resistant finish, and consistent contact.
UltiZip grooves stole the show during testing, thanks to their sharp, deep, and narrow structure. The grooves sat closer together, enhancing my chance of clean contact, friction, and spin. Even on mishits, my grooves bit into the ball and imparted optimal revolutions onto the ball.
The Heat Treated grooves appeared durable and should generate superior revolutions for years to come. Spin aside, Cleveland roped in their ZipCore technology to optimize the CG position and increase MOI for exceptional stability.
I found the stability from the increased MOI did wonders for my speed and spin preservation. I still produced adequate revolutions and control on off-center hits, resulting in moderate greenside forgiveness and consistency.
Lofts: 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°
PROS
- Impressive spin levels for the average golfer
- Pleasant feel
- Glare resistant finish
- Affordable game improvement clubs
- Durable grooves
CONS
- Not incredibly forgiving for high handicappers
- Lower handicappers may desire increased spin revolutions
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Best Cleveland Putter
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 Putter
Updated on 2024-04-26
Best Putter
An affordable, forgiving, quality putter packed into a milled face and premium stainless steel body. That explains the Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 to a tee. Our best Cleveland flat stick produced a clean roll, a soft feel, and leniency across the putter face.
The Speed Optimized Face Technology stood out as a key cog in the HB Soft 10.5, harmonizing speed and topspin on all putts. Despite my odd heel and toe strikes, I managed to generate sufficient momentum for a smooth roll and limited skidding across the dancefloor.
I relished the feel, acoustics, and friction produced by the quality diamond CNC milled pattern. The ball was smooth off the face, and for a gigantic mallet head, I actually experienced decent feedback. However, the milling cannot take all the credit, as the soft 304 stainless steel enhanced acoustics and feel.
I was surprised that a soft-feeling, high-feedback putter was packed into a forgiving mallet putter. The increased MOI helped me square and stabilize the clubface into contact for accuracy and consistent roll, highlighting its forgiving qualities. The only possible concern is the face-balanced design which is not set up to perform for arched strokes.
⛳️ Related: Best Putters for Senior Golfers in 2023
PROS
- Forgiving
- Soft feel
- Promotes a clean roll
- Built for straight strokes
- Affordable
CONS
- Not suited to arched strokes
- I struggled with glare at times
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How Do Cleveland Golf Clubs Compare Against Other Top Brands?
In my experience, Cleveland punches above their weight compared to other top brands. They offer a wealth of experience, game improvement technology, and forgiveness at a fraction of the price of their peers.
I find Cleveland clubs are an affordable, reliable pick that stands the test of time alongside its competitors.
Which Cleveland Golf Clubs Are Best For Seniors?
Senior golfers suit most Cleveland golf clubs for their effortless launch, maximum MOI, and exceptional forgiveness. However, here is what the ideal Cleveland golf bag would look like for a senior golfer:
- Driver – Cleveland Launcher XL
- Fairway Wood – Cleveland Launcher XL Halo
- Hybrid – Cleveland Launcher XL Halo
- Irons – Cleveland Launcher XL Halo
- Wedges – Cleveland Wedges CBX2
- Putter – Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 Putter
Why Are Cleveland Golf Clubs Not Popular With Pros?
Cleveland golf clubs are not popular with pros because of their high MOI construction, enhanced launch, and maximum forgiveness.
These golf clubs are designed to simplify golf for the average player. However, pros like Ernie Els, Shane Lowry, and Brooks Koepka use Cleveland wedges for their spin, feel, feedback, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cleveland golf clubs for Seniors?
Yes, Cleveland golf clubs are for seniors because of their easy launching, forgiving, and consistent woods, hybrids, irons, and putters.
What does D stand for on a Cleveland golf club?
D stands for “dual” wedge on a Cleveland golf club. The DW club is set at 50° and is built to cover your pitching and sand wedge needs in one club. Instead of acquiring a pitching and sand wedge, the idea is that you only require the dual wedge.
What are XL irons?
XL irons stand for “extra large” and contain maximum MOI in a cavity back design. These clubs resist twisting and feature a wider sweet spot to contain ball speed and control spin across the clubface for optimal launch and carry distance.
Are Srixon and Cleveland the same company?
Yes, Srixon and Cleveland are owned by SRI Sports Limited, a subsidiary of the Japanese multinational corporation Sumitomo. SRI Sports also owns Dunlop, XXIO, and shoe manufacturer Asics.
Who Makes Cleveland Golf Clubs?
SRI Sports is the owner of Cleveland Golf Clubs. It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which is a global mega-company with interests in rubber, energy, and infrastructure projects. SRI Sports Limited is based out of Huntington Beach, California.
Who uses Cleveland golf clubs?
Some of the more well-known professional golfers that use Cleveland clubs include:
Ernie Els
Shane Lowry
Keegan Bradley
Brooks Koepka
Hideki Matsuyama
Graeme McDowell
Is Cleveland a good golf brand?
Yes, Cleveland golf clubs possess over five decades of expertise in the golf industry. They offer forgiving golf clubs for the average golfer to enjoy.
Final Thoughts: Are Cleveland Golf Clubs Good?
I set out to determine, are Cleveland clubs good? The simple answer is yes, absolutely. The brand possesses over 5 decades in the industry, continuing to develop easy-launching, forgiving golf clubs for the average golfer.
Performance aside, Cleveland golf clubs offer exceptional value for money and are typically priced well below industry giants. I find Cleveland woods, hybrids, irons, and putters ideal for seniors, high and mid-handicap golfers. However, their wedges work for a wider audience of skilled golfers and beginners.
Here is a recap of our top Cleveland golf clubs from driver to putter:
Cleveland Launcher XL – Best Cleveland Driver
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo – Best Cleveland Fairway Wood
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo – Best Cleveland Hybrid
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo – Best Cleveland Set of Irons
Cleveland RTX ZipCore – Best Cleveland Wedges
Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 10.5 – Best Cleveland Putter
