Method and apparatus for fine tuning a wedge golf club head and its manufacture

Abstract

This document describes a method and apparatus for fine-tuning a wedge golf club head incorporating a unique, interchangeable, modular head with an interchangeable flange design, as well as a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wedge golf club that utilizes an adjustable flange and sole plate that is handedness-independent to enhance tunability, such as the combination of sole, bounce, and / or center of gravity. The wedge golf club head disclosed above may have a flat, straight leading edge to ensure consistency of the interchangeable sole plate. The entire process of wedge golf club fitting evaluation utilizes algorithms, apps, and / or AI technology to determine wedge specifications that are non-standard and specifically tailored for the end user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority from New Zealand Patent Application No. 123456 (WIPO DAS Code 7171), filed on January 10, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This document describes methods and apparatus for fine-tuning wedge golf club heads, and their manufacture. More specifically, the present invention relates to wedge golf clubs that utilize adjustable flanges and sole plates that are handedness-independent, thereby increasing tunability, such as the combination of sole, bounce, and / or center of gravity. The wedge golf club heads disclosed above may have flat, straight leading edges to ensure consistency of interchangeable sole plates. [Background technology]

[0003] In today's society, more and more consumer products are being customized to better suit the task at hand. This is becoming more prevalent and commercially viable as technology continues to rapidly improve. Instead of a "one size fits all" approach, individuals seeking better performance and results are shifting to "finding the perfect fit" for themselves. For example, in the golf equipment industry, manufacturers now offer customers a variety of fitting applications to improve their equipment selection. By tailoring equipment to each individual golfer's swing type, skill level, etc., each golfer realizes they have the best opportunity to succeed on the course.

[0004] Wedge-type golf clubs, commonly referred to as wedges, are a specific type of golf club that typically has a high loft angle. These high-loft wedges tend to be precision instruments that improve trajectory, accuracy, and control, allowing golfers to dial in short-distance golf shots. Increasing the loft angle in a wedge typically results in a golf shot with a higher trajectory because the impact surface with the golf ball interacts with the wedge at an angle closer to the actual loft angle of the wedge itself, rather than perpendicular to the clubhead's trajectory. This angle typically causes the golf ball to travel upward along the slope of the wedge when struck with a wedge-type golf club, causing the golf ball to rotate backward as it leaves the wedge club face. This backward rotation of the golf ball, commonly known in the golf industry as "backspin," is desirable because it helps improve the trajectory, accuracy, and control of wedge-type golf shots.

[0005] Backspin helps improve the trajectory, accuracy, and control of a golf shot by providing a gyroscopic effect to the golf ball, stabilizing the ball's flight and increasing its accuracy. Backspin also helps increase control of a golf shot by minimizing the roll of the golf ball after it lands, resulting in a more predictable golf shot after it lands.

[0006] Wedge-type golf club heads are commonly known in the golf club field in an attempt to enhance performance characteristics such as increased backspin, ball speed, and launch angle. For example, U.S. Patent No. 10,307,650 discloses an iron-type golf club head body and an adjustable member configured to engage with the iron-type golf club head body. The adjustable member may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the adjustable member may form at least a portion of the sole of the iron-type golf club head and at least a portion of the rear portion of the iron-type golf club head when the adjustable member is engaged with the iron-type golf club head body in a first orientation. Furthermore, the second surface of the adjustable member may form at least a portion of the sole of the iron-type golf club head and at least a portion of the rear portion of the iron-type golf club head when the adjustable member is engaged with the iron-type golf club head body in a second orientation different from the first orientation. However, this two-sole wedge configuration has a design and manufacturing problem in that the leading edges interact poorly with components, causing vibrations. Furthermore, the fasteners required to secure the components are not angled toward the linear force of impact, which often resulted in the fasteners loosening during use, causing the sole to slip off the club head. Additionally, these attachments are specific to the designated wedge and are not designed to attach to other club heads, such as lob, sand, gap, or pitching wedges, due to their shape, playability, weight, and bounce profile.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 10,661,128 relates to an adjustable club head having a body adapted to be selectively attached to one of a plurality of sole components. Specifically, the club assembly kit includes a club head body, a first sole component interchangeably associated with the body, and a second sole component. When the first sole component is associated with the body, the body and the first sole component form a first club head having a sole surface with a first parting line formed between the first sole component and the body and a first sole contour. When the second sole component is associated with the body, the body and the second sole component form a second club head having a second sole surface with a second parting line formed between the second sole component and the body and a second contour different from the first sole contour. However, this interchangeable sole wedge configuration has the disadvantage that the interface is located directly where the majority of interaction with the turf occurs during use. This can lead to dirt and debris collecting at the interface between the sole and the club head body, widening the gap between them. Furthermore, the above configurations do not adjust the club's turf interaction or effective bounce, and only achieve the desired effect when a very neutral shaft lean is presented. Additionally, these attachments are specific to the designated wedge and are not designed to attach to other club heads, such as lob, sand, gap, or pitching wedges, due to their shape, playability, weight, and bounce profile.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 9,211,450 relates to a wedge-type golf club with an adjustable center of gravity. This club head has a high loft and a low center of gravity, which can increase backspin, launch angle, and ball speed. The center of gravity can be adjusted based on different backing profiles with at least one hollow chamber. In addition to the above, the present invention also discloses a golf club head with an increased topline thickness that varies depending on the loft of the golf club head. However, this adjustable center of gravity configuration has the disadvantage that it only shifts weight around the club head, not adjusts the club's sole or bounce, as is the case with modern drivers. Furthermore, these attachments are specific to the designated wedge and are not designed to be attached to other club heads, such as lob, sand, gap, or pitching wedges, due to their shape, playability, weight, and bounce profile.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0274441 discloses a golf club head having a club head body configured to be detachably coupled to a first attachment at different times and a first bounce height. Furthermore, when the club head body is coupled to a second attachment member, the golf club head has a loft angle, a bounce angle, and a second bounce height that differs from the first bounce height. However, this interchangeable wedge configuration has the disadvantage that the interface is located directly where the majority of turf interaction occurs during use. This allows dirt and debris to collect at the interface between the sole and the club head body, widening the gap between them. Furthermore, these attachments are specific to the designated wedge and, due to their shape, playability, weight, and bounce profile, are not configured to be attached to other club heads, such as lob, sand, gap, or pitching wedges. Furthermore, this configuration does not allow for center of gravity adjustment. A similar variation is disclosed in US Pat. No. 10,974,108, which suffers from the same drawbacks as those mentioned above.

[0010] As can be seen from the above, many attempts have been made to improve loft, center of gravity, backspin, and launch angle, particularly when hit with wedge-type golf clubs. However, there exists a need for a wedge-type golf club that can be customized / tailored to an individual player, allowing for the adjustment of at least three of these parameters - bounce, sole, and center of gravity - in combination and / or at least providing useful options to the general public.

[0011] Further aspects and advantages of the method, apparatus and manufacture thereof will become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Described herein is a method and apparatus for fine tuning a wedge golf club head, and its manufacture, incorporating a unique interchangeable modular head with an interchangeable flange design that provides the ability to adjust bounce angle and width, center of gravity (CG) location, and weight.

[0013] In a first aspect, The hosel and an interchangeable modular club head body that is attached to the hosel; at least one interchangeable flange member having a sole and a bounce configured to be engaged with the club head body; The interchangeable flange members are configured to adjust a combination of bounce angle and width, center of gravity location, and weight of the club head body when engaged with the club head body. A wedge-type golf club head is provided.

[0014] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a modular wedge-type golf club head substantially as described above.

[0015] These advantages include wedge design features, such as adjustable flange plates for a typical pitching, gap, and lob wedge set, covering the entire loft range of 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60 degrees. This allows a golfer to carry only four wedges in their golf bag to cover the entire loft range. The wedge head forgings are configured with different offsets, advantageously assigning offsets and complementary bounces to blanks depending on their intended characteristics. With traditional wedges, adjusting the offset results in a compromise between loft and bounce. For example, to create a high-offset sand wedge (56 degrees), most other wedges require a branded 60-degree wedge to be machined and manually bent to 56 degrees. However, this process reduces the loft and increases the offset while also reducing the bounce by 4 degrees. The flange plate is handedness independent, allowing the versatile attachment to be used with both left-handed or right-handed clubs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] Further aspects of the apparatus, methods and applications will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a rear plan view of one exemplary flange having a high center of gravity and medium bounce characteristics. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary flange having a high center of gravity and medium bounce characteristics. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a side profile view of an exemplary flange having a high center of gravity and medium bounce characteristics. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a front plan view of an exemplary flange having a high center of gravity and medium bounce characteristics. [Figure 5] An exemplary flange with a high center of gravity and medium bounce characteristics is shown attached and assembled to a club head. [Figure 6]1 shows a spreadsheet of desired fitting effects of player attribute characteristics on launch, turf interaction, and ball flight. [Figure 7] Graphics of the wedge are shown for the bounce effect (degree of bounce) of preferred gap, sand, and lob wedges. [Figure 8] A chart showing exemplary flanges created combining low, mid, and high center of gravity tuned matrices with extra low, low, mid, high, and extra high characteristics for a series of exemplary wedges: Gap, Sand, and Lob. [Figure 9] 10 illustrates a rear plan view of a further exemplary flange. [Figure 10] 10A-10C show top and bottom perspective views of a further exemplary flange; [Figure 11] 10 illustrates a top view of a further exemplary flange. [Figure 12] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a further exemplary flange. [Figure 13] 10 illustrates a further exemplary flange having holes or ports for accommodating weight members. [Figure 14] 1 shows an exemplary wedgeback unassembled to an exemplary flange (not shown). [Figure 15] An exemplary lineup of assembled flanges with two widths of sole profile at either a high or low center of gravity (CG) is shown. [Figure 16] Further tables were generated showing the bounce effect (degree of bounce) of preferred gap, sand, and lob wedges. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] As described above, methods and apparatus for fine tuning wedge golf club heads and their manufacture are described that incorporate a unique, interchangeable modular head with an interchangeable flange design that provides the ability to adjust bounce angle and width, center of gravity (CG) location, and weight.

[0019] For purposes of this specification, the terms "about" or "approximately" and grammatical derivatives thereof mean an amount, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight, or length that varies by about 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% of the referenced amount, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight, or length.

[0020] The term "substantially" or grammatical derivatives thereof refers to at least about 50%, for example, 75%, 85%, 95%, or 98%.

[0021] The term "comprises" and its grammatical derivatives shall have an inclusive meaning, i.e., shall be interpreted to mean the inclusion of not only those listed by direct reference but also other unspecified components or elements.

[0022] The term "offset" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the position of the club face relative to the shaft of the club, specifically when the face is pushed back rather than aligned with the shaft. A club with an offset has the hosel positioned forward of the club face line, whereas a club without an offset has the hosel at the heel of the club and aligned or very close to the club face line. Clubs with an offset are intended to provide increased forgiveness for golfers who tend to slice the ball.

[0023] The term "hosel" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the hollow portion at the top of the club head into which the club shaft is inserted. It is the connection point between the club shaft and the club head and is sometimes called the neck or socket.

[0024] The term "sole" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the area located under the club head, between the heel and toe, and between the leading and trailing edges. A marking or engraving identifying the golf club is typically found on the sole of the club. In other cases, the club manufacturer's name may also appear here. Soles are not limited to being completely flat. For example, sand wedges feature a sole that is angled toward the ground rather than resting flat on the ground. This is especially true for sand wedges with a high bounce. The shape of the sole affects how the club is used and the conditions under which it performs optimally. For example, a club with a completely flat sole will be less likely to bounce off the sand during a bunker shot, and will instead tend to dig into the sand.

[0025] The term "leading edge" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the area at the bottom of the club face where the sole meets the club face, i.e., the area where the club head first strikes the ground when hitting a ball with an iron or wedge. A ball hit at the leading edge (instead of the sweet spot) is called a thin shot and, as a result, travels very low and is best avoided.

[0026] The term "rear edge" or grammatical derivatives thereof refers to the rear lower portion of the club head, the rear edge of the club's sole, in other words, the area where the sole meets the back of the club head.

[0027] The term "upper edge" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the ridge located at the top of the club face, formed by the top of the club face and the rear of the club. When the ball is hit with the leading edge (as can happen when the ball is on a high lie), it flies straight up and does not travel very far forward. Such a shot is known as a sky shot.

[0028] The term "flange" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the area of ​​the sole that extends rearward from the club face. In a sand wedge, the flange is angled relative to the ground; this angle is called the bounce angle.

[0029] The term "bounce" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the angle between the line of the club's sole and the line of the ground. A club with no bounce will have its sole completely flat on the ground. Conversely, a club with a lot of bounce will prevent its leading edge from touching the ground, and instead will have its trailing edge touch the ground.

[0030] The term "loft" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the angle formed by the intersection of a line on the club face with a line on the shaft. Each club in a golfer's bag has a different loft angle, up to about 60° for a lob wedge. In comparison, a putter typically has a loft angle closer to 0°, with the club face being closer to vertical.

[0031] The term "lie" or its grammatical derivatives refers to the angle formed by the intersection of the shaft line with the ground line when the club head is resting flat on the ground. The angle lies between 0 and 90 degrees and varies from club to club. In practice, lie angles are generally smallest with drivers and much larger with short wedges such as lob wedges. Putters (where the shaft is nearly perpendicular to the ground) have the largest lie angles, approaching 90 degrees.

[0032] In a first aspect, The hosel and an interchangeable modular club head body that is attached to the hosel; at least one interchangeable flange member having a sole and a bounce configured to be engaged with the club head body; The interchangeable flange members are configured to adjust a combination of bounce angle and width, center of gravity location, and weight of the club head body when engaged with the club head body. A wedge-type golf club head is provided.

[0033] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a modular wedge-type golf club head substantially as described above.

[0034] As noted above, wedge-type golf clubs may include interchangeable modular heads with interchangeable flange members that may be configured to adjust a combination of bounce angle and width, center of gravity (CG) location, and weight.

[0035] In one embodiment, the fitting system may include at least 15 flange member plates that are attached to the club head using locating tabs, thus ensuring proper alignment and positioning of the joint prior to the critical turf interaction point. Advantageously, the sole may also allow for repeatability and versatility in manufacturing multiple club heads.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the flange member may be symmetrical, and thus may be adapted for either right-handed or left-handed golf club heads.

[0037] In one embodiment, the club head body may be sized to have different offsets within a set of wedges with assigned locations for pitching, gapping, sanding and / or lobing.

[0038] The tuning system may provide blanks for producing a tailored, complete wedge-type club, assigning offset and complementary bounce according to its intended function and desired characteristics, without compromising loft or bounce. This is in comparison to conventional clubs, where adjusting offset can compromise loft and bounce. For example, with other conventional wedges, creating a high-offset sand wedge (56 degrees) requires manually bending a standard 60-degree wedge to 56 degrees. However, this reduces the loft and offset while also decreasing the bounce angle by 4 degrees. Advantageously, the system may utilize a set club head that can be bent to increase the offset and then attach a selected flange member with the desired complementary bounce and / or center of gravity characteristics. Conversely, this configuration may also be reversed to reduce the offset and bounce parameters. In this manner, adjustable offset variants may be provided at the point of manufacture without requiring further adjustments.

[0039] In other embodiments, the fitting system may be configured to take into account launch conditions, and the wedge-type club may be adjusted to compensate for them through turf interaction and impact location. For example, a player who strikes low (i.e., hitting the two grooves under the face) may have the sole strike the turf in several different ways, and the flange member plates from the fitting matrix may be adjusted accordingly.

[0040] It is contemplated that other standard fitting variables may be added to the fitting matrix, such as, but not limited to, length, flex, lie, grip size, and / or swing weight.

[0041] The ability to accurately determine wedge specifications for an individual or user may be derived from a consistency analysis of data sets from grouped data of trendable golfers. The grouped data may be data formed by aggregating individual observations of variables into groups, such that the frequency distribution of these groups serves as a convenient means of summarizing or analyzing the data.

[0042] When considering the range of wedge techniques available to golfers, it can be seen that there are many different styles and tendencies, and that sorting through the variables can seem difficult. However, the inventors have developed an inventive solution in the form of an app and associated algorithm. The app assesses any style or tendency and determines the correct wedge fit, somewhere within a predetermined range of parameters, as opposed to a fit obtained from a more textbook and / or idealized parameter matrix system, and is therefore individual and unusual.

[0043] In further embodiments, AI systems and techniques can be developed in wedge fitting systems to automatically recommend optimal options from a fitting matrix.

[0044] Preferably, the flange member plate may have a flat, straight leading edge. As such, this configuration may be essential to ensure consistency of the interchangeable sole plate, which is reversible and handedness-independent. As previously mentioned, a handedness-independent flange may allow for a versatile attachment that can be used for both left-handed and right-handed clubs and multiple club heads. This is because, whereas conventional adjustable bounce designs are head-specific and may only work for a particular head, the flange bounce configuration of the present invention can be used for any wedge club head.

[0045] The flange member plate may include tapered locating tabs that are stepped from one side to the other. In this manner, the tabs may provide a consistent midpoint for flange symmetry and may locate the leading edge of the flange member. In this manner, the tapered locating tabs may deflect forces from the fasteners and locating lugs.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the flange plate may be provided with tapered locating tabs with matching profiles at the leading edges, which may allow the ability to remain modular across PW, GW, SW or LW. In this way, the middle or sole of the flange may be specialized to the fitting solution being achieved.

[0047] Also, locating bosses may be provided around the periphery of the hole to allow for greater thread depth and further prevent movement of the flange. Preferably, circular locating bosses larger than the threads may be inserted. In this way, the screw may have more threads to minimize the chance of backing out or bending, and therefore less likely to loosen or develop a gap where the flange connects to the head.

[0048] The fasteners may be angled in the direction of the linear force of the impact, thus preventing the fasteners from loosening during use and preventing the flange from slipping off the club head.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the flange may clamp to the rear of the club head without the need for a set screw.

[0050] In a further alternative embodiment, the club head and flange may include complementary slot teeth for engaging each other, thus altering the lie angle.

[0051] Additionally, the bounce flange attachment may accommodate a weight element or an adjustable weight port. In one embodiment, a flange with a base weight of 75 g may accommodate up to 50 g of additional weight by filling the port holes with tungsten. It is contemplated that the exact desired head weight may be achieved using silicone plugs, silicone coated weights, or epoxy (sometimes mixed with tungsten). In this way, the weight element may also act as a vibration damper, with the softer compound of silicone weight or epoxy helping to grip the head from the flange. Preferably, the weight may be clamped in place (by the screws securing the flange to the head), or in alternative embodiments, it may be secured with epoxy or secured to the flange attachment with screws.

[0052] The interchangeable modular club head body and at least one interchangeable flange member are configured for optimal sole interaction for each tailored wedge. Those skilled in the art will understand that sole interaction refers to the way the club head interacts with the turf and is related to the impact point. This primarily addresses the functional portion of the sole, namely the bounce shape and angle of the club head. Without enough bounce, the sole interaction is closer to the leading edge, causing the club to grip and dig. Conversely, if the bounce is too far back, the interaction lifts the club or exposes more of the leading edge to the ball, resulting in topping or blade shots. In one embodiment, a centered position on the sole flattens the club throughout the hitting area, allowing for more consistent impacts. A heeled position on the club indicates a closed face angle relative to the target, indicating a too-steep lie angle; a toeed position indicates a too-flat lie angle, pushing the ball more open relative to the target.

[0053] Those skilled in the art should understand that impact location may refer to the impact location relative to the face. In a preferred embodiment, the impact location is optimally located at the center of gravity on the head, which results in a "sweet" hit and prevents the club from twisting around the CG axis. A low impact location may result in too much bounce or turf interaction, while a high impact location may result in too little. It is contemplated that other actual fitting variables, such as length and weight, may also affect impact location independent of turf interaction.

[0054] The above-described embodiments may be broadly described as consisting of the components, elements and features, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more components, elements or features, referred to or shown in the specification of this application.

[0055] Furthermore, when reference is made herein to specific integers that have known equivalents in the relevant art of the embodiments, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein by reference as if individually set forth.

[0056] Example The above devices, methods and uses thereof will now be described with reference to specific examples.

[0057] Example 1 An exemplary method and apparatus for fine tuning a wedge golf club head and its manufacture will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0058] The overall process that takes place in a wedge golf club fitting evaluation is to determine wedge specifications that are tailored specifically for the end user, other than standard specifications.

[0059] The fitting process utilizes an app similar to that described in applicant's corresponding WO 2021 / 150127, which uses an assessment of player attributes related to launch, turf interaction, and ball flight, as shown in Figure 6. For example, a player who strikes low (i.e., strikes the two grooves under the face) may strike the sole of the club with the turf in several different ways and may be adjusted accordingly by reducing bounce, increasing offset, having a club head with a low CG, flattening the lie, and increasing both weight and shaft length, which are optimal parameters derived from the fitting "effect" matrix of Figure 6.

[0060] In this example, Figure 7 shows a table generated from the algorithm for bounce effect (degree of bounce) for custom gap (50-degree loft), sand (55-degree loft), and lob (60-degree loft) wedges, which require an extra-high (XH) bounce angle for a player who tends to hit the ball high (fat) and makes contact with the turf on the club face and leading edge. The calculations in Figure 7 are shown for an XH flange with 15 degrees of bounce, a sand wedge with 20 degrees of bounce, and a lob wedge with 25 degrees of bounce, respectively. Figure 8 shows the dimensions of 15 flange plates, each with different CG and bounce parameters.

[0061] 1-4 show a further flange variation with a high center of gravity and medium bounce characteristics, and FIG. 5 shows the flange attached and assembled to the club head.

[0062] Example 2 An exemplary method and apparatus for fine tuning a wedge golf club head and its manufacture will be further described below with reference to Figures 15 and 16 .

[0063] Fine-Tuned™ wedges utilize modular construction to create fitting solutions, enabling optimal performance without compromise.

[0064] In particular, Figure 15 shows a wedge lineup with two widths of sole profile: slim (S) flange and wide (W) flange. This is indicated on the back of the flange by a letter preceding a lettered number. For example, W50 (Wide 50), where 50 indicates the degree of loft.

[0065] Sole width has also been found to play a role in bounce forgiveness and versatility.

[0066] As shown in Figure 15, attachments are available with either a high or low center of gravity (CG), which can be distinguished from the back of the wedge, to help center the impact point and control ball flight characteristics to suit individual preferences.

[0067] A unique feature is the interchangeable bounce flange. The flange is modular across all wedges in a player's set, meaning three different bounces can be created using one bounce flange. For example, looking at the S50M attachment (Figure 7), which provides a 10-degree bounce angle for a 50-degree lofted wedge, perform the following calculations: Example: 50 degree wedge with S50 bounce flange Wedge loft - 90 degrees + attachment value = bounce angle (degrees) 50-90+50=10 degrees

[0068] FIG. 16 shows a further generated table of bounce effects (degree of bounce) and their static characteristics for preferred gap, sand, and lob wedges.

[0069] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be understood that modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Claims

1. The hosel and an interchangeable modular club head body attached to said hosel; at least one interchangeable flange member having a sole and a bounce configured to be engaged with the club head body; the interchangeable flange member is configured to adjust the bounce angle and width, center of gravity location, and weight of the club head body when engaged with the club head body; Wedge-type golf club head.

2. The wedge-type golf club of claim 1 , wherein the golf club comprises an interchangeable modular head having interchangeable flange members.

3. 3. The wedge-type golf club of claim 1, wherein the fitting or tuning system comprises at least 15 flange member plates attached to the club head using positioning tabs.

4. 4. The wedge-type golf club according to claim 1, wherein the flange member has a symmetrical shape so as to be applicable to either a right-handed or left-handed golf club head.

5. the club head body having pitching, gap, sand and / or lob assigned positions within the set of wedges; 5. The wedge-type golf club of claim 1, wherein the forgings are sized to have different offsets.

6. the tuning system comprises a blank for producing a tailored complete wedge-type club by assigning an offset and a complementary bounce according to its intended function and desired characteristics; The wedge-type golf club of claim 3 , wherein the loft and bounce are not compromised.

7. 7. The wedge-type golf club of claim 6, wherein the configuration of the tuning system is reversed to reduce offset and also to reduce bounce parameters.

8. the fitting system is configured to take into account launch conditions; 4. The wedge-type golf club according to claim 3, wherein the wedge-type club is adjusted to compensate for interaction with the turf and impact point location, and the flange member plate is adjusted accordingly based on a fitting matrix.

9. The wedge-type golf club of claim 8 , wherein the fitting matrix includes other fitting variables selected from any one of length, flex, lie, grip size, and / or swing weight.

10. 10. A wedge-type golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein determining wedge specifications for an individual or user is derived from a consistency analysis of data sets from grouped data of golfers used to determine trends.

11. 11. The wedge-type golf club of claim 10, wherein the grouped data is data formed by aggregating individual observations of variables into groups, and a frequency distribution of these groups serves as a means of summarizing or analyzing the data.

12. A wedge-type golf club as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the developed app and associated algorithm assesses any style or tendency and the app determines the correct wedge fit to be somewhere within a predetermined range of parameters and that it is individual and unusual, relative to a fit obtained from a more textbook and / or ideal parameter matrix system.

13. The wedge-type golf club of claim 12, wherein the wedge fitting system utilizes AI systems and techniques to automatically recommend optimal options from the fitting matrix.

14. 14. A wedge-type golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the flange member plate has a flat, straight leading edge, which configuration is essential to ensure consistency of the interchangeable sole plate, which is reversible and independent of handedness.

15. the flange member plate includes a tapered locating tab; 15. The wedge-type golf club of claim 1, wherein the tab has a step from one side to the other to provide a consistent midpoint for the symmetry of the flange.

16. 16. The wedge-type golf club of claim 15, wherein the tab locates a leading edge of the flange member, and the tapered locating tab diverts forces from a fastener and the locating lug.

17. 17. A wedge-type golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flange plate comprises tapered positioning tabs with a matching profile at the leading edge that allows the wedge to remain modular across a pitching wedge (PW), a gap wedge (GW), a sand wedge (SW) and / or a lob wedge (LW).

18. 18. The wedge-type golf club of claim 17, wherein the flange plate has locating bosses around the hole to allow for greater thread depth and further prevent movement of the flange.

19. 19. A wedge-type golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the fastener is angled towards the direction of the linear force of the impact.

20. 19. The wedge-type golf club of claim 1, wherein the flange clamps to the rear surface of the club head without the need for a set screw.

21. 21. The wedge-type golf club of claim 1, wherein the club head and the flange include complementary slot teeth for engaging each other to vary the lie angle.

22. 22. The wedge-type golf club of claim 1, wherein the bounce flange attachment accommodates a weight member or an adjustable weight port.

23. 23. The wedge-type golf club of claim 22, wherein the 75g basis weight flange accommodates up to 50g of additional weight by filling the port holes with tungsten.

24. 23. The wedge-type golf club of claim 22, wherein the weight member comprises a material selected from any one of a silicone plug, a silicone coated weight, or an epoxy (possibly mixed with tungsten) to achieve the precise desired head weight.

25. 25. The wedge-type golf club of claim 24, wherein the weight member also acts as a vibration damper.

26. 26. The wedge-type golf club of claim 1, wherein the interchangeable modular club head body and the at least one interchangeable flange member are configured for optimal sole interaction for each tailored wedge.

27. 27. A method of manufacturing a modular wedge-type golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

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