Ernie Els is joining XXIO as a staffer…and as more than a staffer. The Big Easy will be a board member and Global Ambassador for the brand, which is housed under the Sumimoto Rubber Industries brand, as are Srixon and Cleveland.

“I’m proud to be on board as XXIO’s new Global Ambassador,” said Els. “Srixon and Cleveland are successful brands in golf, with a proven track record, and I’m familiar with the company’s products so that’s an easy fit for me. In fact, I won both my US Opens using Cleveland wedges and I’ve always loved those clubs.”

Els went on to talk about XXIO’s position in the global golf market.

“XXIO is perhaps a less familiar name in certain parts of the world…but trust me, this company is really going places! They’ve been the No.1 equipment company in Japan over the past 17 years, now the market leader in Korea and New Zealand, and the growth has been dramatic.”

The four-time major champion hopes to both bring brand awareness and assist with product development.

“As one of golf’s most respected and influential athletes, we’re thrilled to welcome Ernie as our Global Ambassador for XXIO,” said Scott Carlyle, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. “It is a rare and special opportunity to work alongside someone of Ernie’s caliber, whose efforts on and off the course have been simply astounding..”

During his full 2018 tournament schedule on the PGA Tour and European Tour, Els will play with Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO equipment as well as carry an XXIO bag.

Els was most recently a TaylorMade staffer. We last shot his bag at the Valero Texas Open in 2016.