Equipment
Cleveland Golf Sold to SRI Sports
Quicksilver Inc. announced the sale of Cleveland Golf today to SRI Sports Limited.
Quicksilver acquired Cleveland 2005 after purchasing the Rossignol Group. Bit by bit, Quicksliver began minimizing Cleveland’s costs and expenditures. In the past year, their stable of high dollar Tour Pros For has been slowly whittled down with only Vijay Singh remaining from their marquee staff. It became clear that Quicksilver was interested in selling Cleveland. Since June of 2007, rumors have been constantly surfacing as to who Cleveland would be sold to. However, today’s announcement that SRI Sports Limited, a Japanese company and parent of the Srixon golf brand came as a surprise to many. The remaining shares of Cleveland golf were purchased by Quicksliver this September and the final total of the sale is estimated to be $132.5 million.
Quicksilver’s decision to sell Cleveland is part of a company wide move to reduce their presence in the hardgoods business. Bernard Mariette, President of Quiksilver said, "We believe this transaction is a key strategic action for our company that will drive immediate value and enable us to reduce both our exposure to the hardgoods space and our degree of leverage." The move appears to be welcome by Cleveland officials as well. Greg Hopkins, President of Cleveland Golf said, "We are excited by the many positive aspects of this deal, including the combination of a great brand in golf with a new organization that is completely and solely devoted to the sport. Significantly, their operating model is set up to anticipate and respond to the seasonality and other specific requirements of the golf market. We believe that this singular focus will benefit the entire Cleveland organization in a number of ways."
Although a bit of a dark horse candidate, it appears that SRI Sports Limited will be a welcome home for the Cleveland brand. "Cleveland has a clear position of dominance in the important wedge market and a fast-growing presence in drivers and irons. We believe that this business will prove highly complementary to our own. We are looking forward to demonstrating Cleveland’s full potential to the market and believe that the business can benefit greatly from our stewardship," said Ryochi Sawada, Chairman of the Board of SRI Sports Limited.
Yet this acquisition has set up an interesting dichotomy within the SRI Sports brand. Srixon USA, also owned by SRI, has recently begun making major headway in the U.S. market, especially in the area of golf balls, where their ZUR line has gained rapid acceptance among Tour players and amateurs alike. Srixon’s club sales have been used as support with golf balls being the main focus of the brand. With Cleveland’s acquisition and their strong line of patents and products like the popular HiBore and CG irons and wedges. The end game for SRI and how Cleveland will fit into their global strategy will be very interesting to watch.
What do you think this sale will have on Cleveland Golf and SRI’s future? Discuss it in our fourms!
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Elico
May 3, 2008 at 5:09 am
I am a 48 year old golf beginner (I used to play tennis), and after having tried “normal” irons, I tried Hibore, and now I can play golf!
So thank you Cleveland Hibore, I do not care about their shape and noise…
Have you tried an oversized tennis racket? It is the same thing: it helps!
robby
Apr 9, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I hope SRI keeps the current sales teams for both Srixon (balls) and Cleveland in place and does not try and combine the sales forces at this time to save a few dollars.One of the brands will suffer.SRI should continue to have two distinct sales forces calling on off course and on course businesses until such time the brands are strong enough to stand on their own..ie Titlist and Cobra.Neither brand currently has enough clout or leverage to make a business buy more Srixion balls or more Cleveland clubs just because you have one rep for both products?
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Quint
Nov 9, 2007 at 9:40 pm
I hope someone from SRI reads this and lets the Cleveland name alone. I have been a Cleveland player for years. I have owned TA5s, TA2s, CG4s, and all the woods. It would be a shame for clubs so easy to hit and marketed with PGA tour players to go away. I am glad that SRI has the chance to expand the great name of Cleveland Golf. The Hi-bore driver was a hit and I still use it to this day. Remember SRI, we want to hit the clubs, and wear the hats the guys on tour use. Keep the Cleveland line going! Thanks.
Andy
Nov 1, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Srixon did not buy Cleveland Golf. SRI sports bought Cleveland Golf. Huge Difference. SRI and Cleveland are BOTH owned by SRI sports. Srixon therefore DOES NOT own Cleveland. They are subsidiaries of SRI.
Nutzfourgolf
Nov 1, 2007 at 11:23 am
How about those people who don’t think Srixon makes great irons??? I play the Srixon irons and left Mizuno to do so…. I also play the new WG-706 wedges – left Cleveland wedges to do so. My Driver is a TM Super Quad and 3 Wood is Titleist – I play what I belive in and what works for me. Srixon is a great brand and make kick ass hard goods not just great balls. My adage is try before you buy…. And don’t knock it before you try it – or if you’ve never hit it! I think the acquisition is beneficial for both companies. I’m sure that alot of folks were surprised that Srixon had the juice to buy another premier brand. Most surprising to me was the fact that Srixon seems to target the niche market and Cleveland targets the mass market. Will be interesting to see how the brand differentiation shakes out… Just my opinion! Keep it in the short stuff!
Anonymous
Nov 1, 2007 at 12:25 am
Hibore XL was one of the best selling drivers this year. At times, it is the best selling driver. for those who said that it’s a flop, please do some research before you make such a false statement.
it’s great that some people like classic shaped drivers, but why aren’t the major brands making them anymore? because classic shape is old technology. It’s simply doesn’t even come close to some of the “modern drivers” from a performance standpoint. If you rather choose a classic driver simply because you’re more used to it, you’re just fooling yourselves!
a lot of people criticized metal woods(same way that people are criticizing geometry driven drivers) when they first came out, who’s actually using them now? For those who complain about oddly shaped drivers, maybe you should go back to persimmon woods to be truly classic, otherwise, aren’t you just a hypocrite?
Back to the topic, I can only see good things come out of the merger. I look forward to seeing what both companies will be making in the near future.
uncleboo6
Oct 31, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Good move!!! hopefully will help to return to the Cleveland of old!! great wedges solid irons and growing the driver market.It makes sense to marry the two brands (Srixon and Cleveland) to create a stronger market presence to chalenge the big guys!
Juansky
Oct 31, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Time to get rid of my Hibore before prices take a dump! Titleist here I come!
Anonymous
Oct 31, 2007 at 5:57 pm
Sumitomo Rubber Industries and their division of SRI sports are best known as the premiere market leader, #1 in Japan under the Dunlop/XXio brand. People who believe Cleveland and Srixon will be heavily involved with one another are absolutely mistaken. Although Srixon balls are doing well and gaining momentum, Srixon equipment does not hold a candle to the number of units that Cleveland sells annualy. Cleveland will remain untouched for the forseeable future, and operate as a complimentary brand within the SRI umbrella. They are DOMINATING in wedge share following the release of Zip Groove Products… and for a while this season the Hibore XL was the best selling 2007 driver. It is unfortunate that the sale rumors have created such an opportunity for people to bash the company… because market share wise they are doing quite well. It will be interesting to see what Cleveland can accomplish with a company who understands the seasonal nature of the golf business and hardgoods, especially with some financial backing to expand. Those are three key elements the company lacked under quiksilver…. and thus why a change was needed. I look forward to good things from Cleveland Golf now that they have support from such a huge, golf minded, successful company. Stay tuned… and don’t bash for no apparent reason.
George
Oct 31, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Good news for Cleveland, they are in dire need to get a true technology in their equipment. The HiBore was a disaster and
really thumbed the nose of golfers who love more traditional shapes, plus that sound was unbearable! Perhaps with the technical
resources of SRI they can leverage more technology and performance from the brand.
Jerry
Oct 31, 2007 at 10:17 am
Some of Cleveland golfs older drivers were classics and still played by many, like the 460 comp. If you look at Adams and the new driver 4350 tour, maybe they will go back to that classic shaped head with some major updating and a deep face and upgraded shaft options as many of us still like the classic shapes. I think they can improve sales to the demanding golfer if they continue in that direction
Josh
Oct 31, 2007 at 10:05 am
I think it will be great for both Srixon and Cleveland as brands. Srixon golf balls are getting more and more recognition. Plus the new forged irons are beautiful. Perhaps they can focus Srixon directly to golf balls, and start releasing some nice FORGED cleveland irons and such. Something like some gunmetal 701 tours with the CG symbol on the back perhaps???
Derick
Oct 31, 2007 at 8:41 am
I wonder if SRI will use cleveland as there club brand and Srixon as there ball brand. Cleveland was really making strides in the right direction as far as club design, were Srixon needs a little help. All and all I think it was a good purchase for SRI and hopefully the customers will see great equipment in the future from Cleveland.
James
Oct 31, 2007 at 6:38 am
Does this mean they will start making any decent equipment???