Cleveland Golf (http://www.clevelandgolf.com)

For years Cleveland golf (which includes the Never Compromise line of putters, and the Fidra clothing line) has been the undisputed king of wedges. It’s also the undisputed preferred brand of my buddy the Bean, as he carries a hybrid, irons, wedges, and a putter; all bearing the Cleveland name. Truth be told, as solid as Cleveland’s reputation is, I’m surprised I don’t see more of their equipment on the course. In the last 4 seasons I’ve played a lot of rounds with a lot of different people, and yet I can only recalling playing with a single person with a Cleveland wood in his bag. With stiff competition in the driver market from all of the big players this year, it’s unlikely Cleveland is going to make any huge gains with the weekend golfer, but their lineup in impressive, and perhaps the most unique of the big boys for 2007.

Drivers

The signature Cleveland model this year is the HiBore XL, the replacement for last years HiBore. Thus far Cleveland has stayed out of the perimeter weighted/square driver fray (although there are unsubstantiated rumors of a square-headed monster in the works). The HiBore instead relies on Cleveland’s Distance Drive Geometry, which basically means they shaved down the back 2/3 of the head, which results in the center of gravity being lower in the club face; which of course improves launch conditions for greater overall distance. The stock shaft for the HiBore XL is the Fujikura HiBore XL, but a huge number of custom shafts are available.

The HiBore XL is also available in a tour model, which of course, is designed to “strict tour specifications” which affords the better player the ability to work the ball. The standard model retails for $299. Add another $50 for the tour edition.

If nothing else, with it’s understated nickel finish, the HiBore XL is among the best looking of the 2007 driver lineup. While not on the top of my list, the HiBore is among the drives I’ll be demoing this spring.

According to the Cleveland website, the now 2+ year old Composite Launcher is also a current model.

Fairway Woods

Ah the Cleveland fairway wood. Often discussed, never seen. So rare in fact (at least where I play) that not even my Cleveland-loving buddy the Bean carries one. The Cleveland site still lists the HiBore (not XL) model from last year, and the launcher fairway as current. Prices are dropping on the launcher, which usually means something new is on the way. My speculation is that we’ll see a full lineup of HiBore XL fairway woods sometime in the next few months. The HiBore fairway (or XL if available) will be on the list of fairway woods I consider adding to my bag.

For now, Cleveland is offering up a HiBore XL 2-wood. While most manufactures offer a strong-3 option, Cleveland seems to be unique in offering an outright 2. As far as looks go, it looks an awful lot like the HiBore XL driver, which isn’t a bad thing. While it’s probably not anything I’d seriously consider for my bag, it’s refreshing to see a 2wood option available for those good enough to make use of it.

Hybrids

Nothing new for 07 yet. The Halo and HiBore Hybrid remain current. I’m not sure what my new bag configuration is going to look like yet, but if it includes a hybrid, the HiBore will be on the list.

Irons

Last year was a big year for Cleveland Irons including the release of the CG1, CG2, CG4, and ultra game improvement Launcher Irons. This year, what Cleveland will likely lack in numbers they’ll more than make up for in uniqueness. Let me explain.

A couple of years ago my buddy G showed up for one of our weekly rounds with this ridiculous looking set of TourEdge JMAX Bazooka irons. If you’re unfamiliar with the set, every damn club in it is a hybrid. The head on his pitching wedge is nearly as fat as the head on his 4-iron. Personally I think it’s offensive and pretty much embodies everything that’s going wrong with the sport. My disdain and complete and utter contempt aside, however; there is no arguing with the results, as his scores have been steadily improving since he put the hideous mallets in his bag. Still, I never thought such nonsense would catch on with one of the big boys. Well I was wrong. Cleveland has recently introduced the HiBore irons, which (according to Cleveland) “leverage all the benefits of hybrid clubs, but also include the versatility and accuracy of traditional irons”.

The HiBore irons feature additional sole weighting and a bigger sweet spot. Although there’s not the proverbial snowball’s chance in hell that I’ll be testing these clubs out myself, I’m guessing these still sticks are going to be a big winner for Cleveland.

Wedges

Cleveland lists two new models this year. The first is the 588 RS which is specifically designed for players who are Royally Screwed when the land in the trap. What’s unique here is that the RS isn’t a series of wedges, but rather a single 60 degree wedge with 8 degrees of bounce. The meat of the 588 RS is an extra large “recovery sole” and low center of gravity. Despite the focus on forgiveness, the 588 RS maintains classic look of other Cleveland wedges.

Also new from Cleveland are the 588 DSG series. Here’s what Cleveland has to say about the new wedge:

Made from 8620 soft carbon steel and featuring a milled face and grooves for maximum spin, the 588 DSG (Dynamic Sole Grind) brings state-of-the-art technology and versatility to the most popular wedge shape of all time. When opening the face at address, this Dynamic Sole Grind allows the leading edge of the 588 DSG to remain closer to the ground than the original 588. This gives you more versatility to hit high and soft flop shots around the green. With adequate dynamic bounce, the 588 DSG remains effective out of soft sand or from soft turf conditions as well.

Finally, rounding out the 2007 wedge lineup is the 588 DSG +RTG. The RTG features the same technology and design as the standard 588, however; the RTG finish is designed to quickly wear away allowing the club to rust, giving the clubface the extra grip that some prefer.

Putters

Cleveland putters are spread across the Cleveland and Never Compromise brands. The Cleveland-branded putters maintain traditional, if not retro, stylings. Cleveland putters features are made from the same carbon steel as their CG series club lineup.

Putters in the never compromise line are more contemporary and feature modern technologies like configurable weighting. A variety of blade and mallet styles are available. Much the same as Odyssey, Never Compromise has a nearly unusable website which features lots of sliding menus and pointless beeping.

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