Leading wedge manufacturer Cleveland Golf and golf ball brand Srixon Sports are joining forces in Europe – and are aiming to give golfers even better quality products and improved service.
Srixon’s parent company SRI Sports in Japan bought Cleveland Golf last year for over $200 million and together is now the fourth largest golf company worldwide. Cleveland Golf and Srixon will now trade together under Srixon Sports Europe (SSE) from 1st October.
Both companies claim an increasing share in their relative fields, but Srixon Sports Europe CEO Leslie Hepsworth is promising even better products – and greater satisfaction for golfers using these brands.
He explained, “When you take a 400-strong California-based company and you link that with Srixon’s digital technology and strong patents in Japan, we are going to see improvements across both brands in performance, shelf appeal and technical specifications. We are really going to upset some of the major competitors.
“What is happening at Srixon and Cleveland Golf is the biggest opportunity in the golf business since Callaway grew rapidly in the early 1990s.”
Srixon Sports and Cleveland Golf worldwide combined plan to hit the billion-dollar turnover mark by 2011 – a target that seems achievable when you look at the growth of both parties.
Cleveland Golf’s business in the UK has grown by 30% in the last couple of years, while in America it is recognised as the leading wedge brand and fifth equipment brand overall.
Srixon, is consistently close to 20% market share in the UK and its AD333 has become the country’s best-selling two-piece ball and cemented Srixon’s place as Britain’s fastest growing golf ball brand.
The merger aims to play to the strength of both parties, delivering golfers better quality clubs and balls and ensuring golfers get the best use out of their equipment together with top grade customer service.
To this end, the company are already working on a Centre of Excellence, featuring a driving range, Trackman system, putting green and short game area.
Mr Hepsworth added, “This centre will ensure golfers are playing with the right ball for their clubhead speed and handicap. It will give pros, retailers and their customers the opportunity to be fitted for anything within both brands.”
The centre, at an undisclosed location, will open on 1st January 2009.
Both companies will be exhibiting together at Golf Europe in Munich this October.
Cleveland Golf www.clevelandgolf.com
Srixon www.srixon.co.uk