Prototype wedges inspired by Roger Cleveland's classic 588 Wide sole from the late 1990s are appearing in players' bags at this week's Masters. Cleveland, who returned to the company he founded last year, has influenced the new RTZ platform designs used by pros including J.J. Spaun and Gary Woodland. Srixon Tour Rep Michael Jolly noted the growing popularity of wide soles and offset hosels among tour players.
Roger Cleveland's influence is evident at the Masters, where several professionals are gaming prototype RTZ wedges that echo the 588 Wide sole shape from 1998. J.J. Spaun, fresh off his third PGA Tour victory at the Valero Texas Open, employs a customized lob wedge with wide sole, leading and trailing edge relief. This grind allows for versatile shot-making, including open-face bunker play, as developed through extensive grinding and testing, according to Jolly. Gary Woodland, who won in Houston two weeks prior, along with Rickie Fowler and Justin Rose—who added one specifically for Augusta—are using offset lob wedges on the RTZ platform. Jolly explained that the wide sole provides benefits like easier face manipulation, while offset helps trap the ball, adding dynamic loft countered by shaft lean for lower flight and more spin. Players favoring full soles tend to keep the face square. Srixon staffers at the Masters, such as Keegan Bradley, Shane Lowry, Brooks Koepka and Hideki Matsuyama, are equipped with variations of ZXi irons and RTZ or RTX wedges. Eight of 10 staff players use the new ZXi platform, combos of ZXi5 and ZXi7 models. Jolly praised their consistency, noting no iron shaft changes across the staff after the season's first event last year. The equipment reflects a blend of retro design and modern materials, gaining traction among both staff and non-staff pros.