Golf club head having balanced ground and tee performance

Abstract

A wood-type golf club head has a volume between 330 and 400 cm3, a combined MOI greater than 7000 g*cm2, and shaping which balances ground and tee performance. The club head has a large body width and a large body depth that increase MOI, and a proportionally short body height that improves the quality of ground strikes. The club head also has a heavy weight member in a rearward and soleward position to improve MOI and create a CG position that balances both ball speed off the ground and ball speed off the tee. Some embodiments have a club head CG position which favors tee performance. In said embodiments, the club head can comprise a sole slit that improves ground performance and / or performance on low strikes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application No. 63 / 810,624, filed May 22, 2025, U.S. Provisional application No. 63 / 793,414, filed Apr. 23, 2025, and U.S. Provisional application No. 63 / 723,468, filed Nov. 21, 2024, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to golf clubs and, more particularly, relates to wood-type golf club heads having balanced ground and tee performance.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional wood-type golf club heads (i.e., drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids) can be designed for different contact conditions. For example, conventional drivers are designed to improve ball flight off a tee (hereafter “tee performance”), and therefore have large body dimensions to maximize tee performance characteristics such as MOI and a CG height aligned with the face center. Conversely, conventional fairway woods and hybrids have typically been designed to improve ball flight off the ground (hereafter “ground performance”), and therefore have low CG positions, low leading edge heights, low face center heights, and sole shapes which glide through the turf.

[0004] While, under certain circumstances, a player may opt to use a conventional driver to hit off of the ground and a conventional fairway wood to hit off the tee, neither club is ideal for these particular uses. Conventional drivers have high leading edges and tall face heights that cause any impact off the ground to occur very low on the face. Further, conventional drivers have relatively high CG heights that create suboptimal launch off ground hits. Conventional fairway woods have smaller body profiles that improve ground interaction but sacrifice a significant amount of MOI and forgiveness off the tee. Consequently, conventional wood-type club heads fail to adequately balance both tee performance and ground performance.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head according to the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate partial cross-sectional views about the YZ plane of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded, rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1, including a weight member.

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a toe-side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 6.

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a sole view of a the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a detailed, sole view of the golf club head of FIG. 8.

[0015] FIG. 10A illustrates a detailed, toe-side, cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 8.

[0016] FIG. 10B illustrates a detailed, toe-side, cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to the present invention including an alternative slit insert embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a toe-side view of a golf club head according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of a golf club head according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a rear perspective view of a golf club head according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 14A illustrates a detailed, cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1, highlighting a lightweight shaft-receiving structure.

[0021] FIG. 14B illustrates a detailed, cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1, with portions removed to better show the lightweight shaft-receiving structure.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a bottom, rear, heel-side perspective view of a golf club head according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the golf club head of FIG. 15.

[0024] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.Definitions

[0025] The terms “first,”“second,”“third,”“fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0026] The terms “left,”“right,”“front,”“back,”“top,”“bottom,”“over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0027] The terms “couple,”“coupled,”“couples,”“coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, directly or indirectly, electrically, mechanically and / or otherwise.

[0028] FIGS. 1-14B schematically illustrate various embodiments of a wood-type golf club head 100 in various views. For ease of discussion, the features shown on the golf club head 100 are applicable to various embodiments of the club head according to the present invention. Any one or more of the features described in the various embodiments below can be used in combination with one another.

[0029] The golf club head 100 comprises a body 101 that defines a substantially closed / hollow interior cavity 107. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 101 defines a front 108, a rear 111 opposite the front 108, a heel 104, and a toe 106 opposite the heel 104. The body 101 comprises a strike face 102 near the front 108, a crown 110 near an upper portion of the club head 100, and a sole 112 near a lower portion of the club head 100. The body 101 further comprises a hosel 105 near the heel 104 for receiving a shaft or an adjustable hosel feature.

[0030] The golf club head 100 defines a ground plane 10 as a reference plane associated with the surface on which a golf ball is placed. The ground plane 10 is a horizontal plane tangent to the sole 112 in the address position. The ground plane 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0031] The golf club head 100 defines a loft plane 15 as a plane that is tangent to the face center (FC). The loft plane 15 is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0032] The golf club head 100 defines a loft angle 20 as the angle measured between the loft plane 15 and the XY plane (defined below). The loft angle 20 is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0033] The strike face 102 is a surface that is configured to strike a golf ball. The strike face 102 is bounded by an outer edge referred to as a “strike face perimeter.” The strike face perimeter is defined where the club head curvature deviates from a bulge and / or roll curvature. Referring to FIG. 3, the strike face perimeter includes at least an upper edge 118 and a leading edge 103. The upper edge 118 is the most crownward portion of the strike face perimeter and defines a transition from the strike face 102 to the crown 110. The upper edge 118 defines a face apex (FA), located at the intersection between the upper edge 118 and the YZ plane (described below). The leading edge 103 is the most soleward portion of the strike face perimeter and delineates a boundary between the strike face 102 and the sole transition region 180 (described below). The leading edge 103 defines a face nadir (FN) located at the intersection between the leading edge 103 and the YZ plane. The strike face 102 defines a face center (FC), which is the geometric centerpoint of the strike face perimeter, illustrated in FIG. 3. The face center (FC) can be located in accordance with the definition of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). The strike face 102 further defines a ground impact point (GI) that represents the typical impact location for strikes off the ground. The ground impact point (GI) is located at the intersection of the strike face 102 and the YZ plane, at a ground impact height (HGI) of 0.65 inch, measured parallel from the ground plane 10.

[0034] The strike face 102 defines a strike face height (HSF). Referring to FIG. 3, the strike face height (HSF) is measured within the YZ plane (described in further detail below) and parallel to the loft plane 15 between the face nadir (FN) and the face apex (FA).

[0035] The strike face 102 defines a face center height (HFC). Referring to FIG. 3 the face center height (HFC) is measured perpendicular to the ground plane 10 between the ground plane 10 and the face center (FC).

[0036] The strike face 102 defines a face center width (WFC). Referring to FIG. 3 the face center height (WFC) is measured parallel to the ground plane 10 from a heel-side edge of the face to a toe-side edge of the face at a height equal to the face center height (HFC).

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the golf club head 100 defines a primary coordinate system centered about the face center (FC). The primary coordinate system comprises an X-axis 40, a Y-axis 50, and a Z-axis 60. The X-axis 40 extends in a heel-to-toe direction, parallel to the ground plane 10. The X-axis 40 is positive towards the heel 104 and negative towards the toe 106. The Y-axis 50 extends in a crown-to-sole direction and is orthogonal to both the ground plane 10 and the X-axis 40. The Y-axis 50 is positive towards the crown 110 and negative towards the sole 112. The Z-axis 60 extends in a front-to-back direction, parallel to the ground plane 10, and is orthogonal to both the X-axis 40 and the Y-axis 50. The Z-axis 60 is positive towards the strike face 102 and negative towards the rear 111.

[0038] The primary coordinate system, as described herein, defines an XY plane as a vertical plane extending along the X-axis 40 and the Y-axis 50. The primary coordinate system defines an XZ plane as a horizontal plane extending along the X-axis 40 and the Z-axis 60. The primary coordinate system further defines a YZ plane as a vertical plane extending along the Y-axis 50 and the Z-axis 60. The XY plane, the XZ plane, and the YZ plane are all perpendicular to one another and intersect at the primary coordinate system origin located at the face center (FC). In these or other embodiments, the golf club head 100 can be viewed from a front view when the strike face 102 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. Further, in these or other embodiments, the golf club head 100 can be viewed from a side view when the heel 104 or the toe 106 is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the YZ plane.

[0039] The golf club head 100 comprises a club head center of gravity (hereafter “CG” or “club head CG”), referring to the point at which the mass is centered within the golf club head 100. The club head CG is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0040] The club head CG position can be described with respect to the primary coordinate system, wherein the club head CG position is characterized by locations along the X-axis 40, the Y-axis 50, and the Z-axis 60. The term “CGX” can refer to the club head CG location along the X-axis 40, measured from the face center (FC). The term “CG height” can refer to the club head CG location along the Y-axis 50, measured from the face center (FC). The term “CGY” can be synonymous with the CG height. The term “CG depth” can refer to the club head CG location along the Z-axis 60, measured from the face center (FC). The term “CGZ” can be synonymous with the CG depth. Alternatively, the club head CG position can be described with respect to the leading edge 103, the ground plane 10, or any other reference point, reference plane, or coordinate system. For example, in some embodiments, the term “CG ground plane height” can refer to the CG height relative to the ground plane, measured in a direction parallel to the Y-axis 50.

[0041] The golf club head 100 further comprises a secondary coordinate system centered about the club head CG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the secondary coordinate system comprises an X′-axis 70, a Y′-axis 80, and a Z′-axis 90. The X′-axis 70 extends in a heel-to-toe direction. The X′-axis 70 is positive towards the heel 104 and negative towards the toe 106. The Y′-axis 80 extends in a crown-to-sole direction and is orthogonal to both the Z′-axis 90 and the X′-axis 70. The Y′-axis 80 is positive towards the crown 110 and negative towards the sole 112. The Z′-axis 90 extends front-to-back, parallel to the ground plane 10 and is orthogonal to both the X′-axis 70 and the Y′-axis 80. The Z′-axis 90 is positive towards the strike face 102 and negative towards the rear 111.

[0042] The golf club head 100 comprises one or more moment of inertia values (hereafter “club head MOI”) with respect to the secondary coordinate system. The term “IXX” can refer to the club head MOI measured about the X′-axis 70. The term “IYY” can refer to the club head MOI measured about the Y′-axis 80. The term “IZZ” can refer to the club head MOI measured about the Z′-axis 90.

[0043] The “body depth,” or “depth” DB of the club head, as used herein, refers to a front-to-back dimension measured across the body. Referring to FIG. 4, the body depth DB is measured parallel to the Z-axis 60 from the leading edge 103 to the rearward-most point of the body 101.

[0044] The “body height,” or “height” HB of the club head, as described herein, can refer to a crown-to-sole dimension measured across the body. Referring to FIG. 3, the body height HB can be measured as a vertical distance (parallel to the Y-axis 50) between the ground plane 10 and the highest point of the crown 110. In many embodiments, the height HB can be measured according to a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0045] The “body width,” or “width” WB of the club head, as described herein, can refer to a heel-to-toe dimension measured across the body. Referring to FIG. 3, the body width (WB) can be measured parallel to the X-axis 40 from a body heel apex (BHA) to a body toe apex (BTA). The body toe apex (BTA) is defined as the toeward-most point of the body 101. The body heel apex (BHA) is heelward-most point of the heel end 104 that is located at a height 0.875 mm from the ground plane 10. In many embodiments, the body width WB can be measured according to a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). The ranges specified for the body depth, body height, and body width can be designed in accordance with the USGA regulations.DESCRIPTION

[0046] Wood-type golf club heads are described herein that balance tee performance and ground performance. The club heads comprise volumes between 330 and 400 cm3, which are larger than the volume of a conventional fairway wood and smaller than the volume of a conventional driver. Further, the club heads comprise combined MOI greater than 7000 g*cm2, which is significantly higher than conventional wood-type club heads of similar volume. The shape of the club head balances ground and tee performance. The club heads may have a large body width and a large body depth that increase MOI, and a proportionally short body height that improves the quality of ground strikes, resulting in a body height to body width (HB / WB) ratio between 0.35 and 0.5. Relative to its volume, the club heads may also have a low face nadir height between 0.050 and 0.150 inch that improves ground performance. The club heads further may have a tight leading edge curvature (radius of the leading edge) in a front-to-back direction (i.e., between 0.2 and 0.3 inch) and a gradual leading edge curvature in a heel-to-toe direction (characterized by a heel-to-toe shaping ratio between 0.250 and 0.325), both of which improve ground performance without sacrificing MOI. Further, the club heads may have a heavy weight member greater than 25 grams in a rearward and soleward position to improve MOI and create a CG position that balances ball speed off the ground with ball speed off the tee. In some embodiments, the club head CG position can favor tee performance. In such embodiments, the club head can comprise a sole slit that improves ground performance and / or performance on low strikes.I. Club Head ShapingA. Body Dimensions

[0047] The body shape of the golf club heads described herein balances tee and ground performance. The club head can be referred to as a “mini-driver,” such that the club head is larger than a conventional fairway wood but smaller than a conventional driver. The unique size and body shape balances the ground performance of a conventional fairway wood with the high MOI of a conventional driver. In some embodiments, the club head comprises a volume between 310 and 400 cm3. In other embodiments, the club head comprises a volume between 330 and 400 cm3. In some embodiments, the volume can be between 330 and 340 cm3, between 340 and 350 cm3, between 350 and 360 cm3, between 360 and 370 cm3, between 370 and 380 cm3, between 380 and 390 cm3, or between 390 and 400 cm3. In some embodiments, the volume can be between 330 and 350 cm3, between 340 and 360 cm3, between 350 and 370 cm3, between 360 and 380 cm3, between 370 and 390 cm3, or between 380 and 400 cm3. As discussed in further detail below, the club head further comprises an IXX greater than 2800 g*cm2, an IYY greater than 4000 g*cm2, and / or a combined MOI greater than 7000 g*cm2. In some embodiments, the club head can comprise a combined MOI greater than 8000 g*cm2. In other embodiments, the club head can comprise a combined MOI greater than 8200 g*cm2.

[0048] The club head comprises a substantially wide and flat profile to balance ground performance with a high MOI. The club head comprises a substantially large body width (WB) and body depth (DB) relative to the body height (HB). The body width (WB) and body depth (DB) distribute mass away from the Y′-axis 80, thereby increasing IYY. The relatively shorter body height (HB) lowers the CG and the face center (FC), both of which improve ground performance.

[0049] In some embodiments, the body width (WB) can be between 4.5 and 5.0 inches. In some embodiments, the body width (WB) can be between 4.5 and 4.8 inches, between 4.6 and 4.9 inches, or between 4.7 and 5.0 inches. In some embodiments, the body width (WB) can be greater than 4.5 inches, greater than 4.6 inches, greater than 4.7 inches, greater than 4.8 inches, or greater than 4.9 inches.

[0050] In some embodiments, the body depth (DB) can be between 4.2 and 4.8 inches. In some embodiments, the body depth (DB) can be between 4.2 and 4.5 inches, between 4.3 and 4.6 inches, between 4.4 and 4.7 inches, or between 4.5 and 4.8 inches. In some embodiments, the body depth (DB) can be greater than 4.2 inches, greater than 4.3 inches, greater than 4.4 inches, greater than 4.5 inches, greater than 4.6 inches, greater than 4.7 inches, or greater than 4.8 inches.

[0051] In some embodiments, the body height (HB) can be between 1.75 and 2.25 inches. In some embodiments, the body height (HB) can be between 1.75 and 2.00 inches, between 1.80 and 2.05 inches, between 1.85 and 2.10 inches, between 1.90 inches and 2.15 inches, between 1.95 and 2.20 inches, or between 2.00 and 2.25 inches. In some embodiments, the body height (HB) can be less than 2.25 inches, less than 2.20 inches, less than 2.15 inches, less than 2.10 inches, less than 2.05 inches, less than 2.00 inches, less than 1.95 inches, less than 1.90 inches, less than 1.85 inches, less than 1.80 inches, or less than 1.75 inches.

[0052] The flat and wide body shape can be characterized by a HB / WB ratio of the body height (HB) divided by the body width (WB). Compared to conventional drivers, the club head comprises a lower HB / WB ratio due to the reduced body height (HB). In some embodiments, the HB / WB ratio can be between 0.35 and 0.50. In some embodiments, the HB / WB ratio can be between 0.35 and 0.40, between 0.40 and 0.45, or between 0.45 and 0.50. In some embodiments, the HB / WB ratio can be less than 0.50, less than 0.45, less than 0.40, or less than 0.35.

[0053] Similarly, the flat and wide body shape can be characterized by a HB / DB ratio of the body height (HB) divided by the body depth (DB). Compared to conventional drivers, the club head comprises a lower HB / DB ratio due to the reduced body height (HB). In some embodiments, the HB / DB ratio can be between 0.40 and 0.55. In some embodiments, the HB / DB ratio can be between 0.40 and 0.45, between 0.45 and 0.50, or between 0.50 and 0.55 In some embodiments, the HB / DB ratio can be less than 0.55, less than 0.50, less than 0.45, or less than 0.40.

[0054] The flat and wide body shape can further be characterized by a HB / V ratio of the body height (HB) divided by the club head volume (V). Compared to conventional drivers, the club head comprises a lower HB / V ratio due to a relatively short body height (HB) despite only a slightly smaller club head volume (V). Compared to conventional fairway woods, the club head comprises a lower HB / V ratio, due to having a significantly increased volume over such fairway woods. In some embodiments, the HB / V ratio can be between 0.005 and 0.015 cm−2. In some embodiments, the Hp / V ratio can be between 0.005 and 0.010 cm−2, or between 0.010 and 0.015 cm−2. In some embodiments, the Hp / V ratio can be less than 0.015 cm−2, less than 0.014 cm−2, less than 0.013 cm−2, less than 0.012 cm−2, less than 0.011 cm−2, or less than 0.010 cm−2.B. Strike Face Dimensions

[0055] The strike face 102 is configured to balance tee and ground performance, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The club head 100 can comprise a shallow strike face 102 with a substantially short face height (HSF) and a reduced strike face thickness, within the ranges disclosed below. The strike face 102 further comprises a low face nadir height (HFN) that lowers the CG position and improves turf interaction. Both the short face height (HSF) and the low face nadir height (HFN) balance ground and tee performance by reducing the distance between the face center (FC) and the ground impact point (GI). As described in further detail below, reducing the distance between the face center (FC) and the ground impact point (GI) improves the balance between ground performance and tee performance. Ground performance is influenced by proximity between a CG projection point (CP) and the ground impact point (GI). Tee performance is influenced by proximity between the CG projection point (CP) and the face center (FC).

[0056] The face height (HSF), and consequently face center height (HFC), can be selected to collocate the CG projection point (CP), face center (FC), and the ground impact point (GI) along the Y-axis 50, thereby balancing both ground performance and tee performance. In particular, a face height (HSF) between 1.5 and 2.2 inches is beneficial for collocating the CG projection point (CP), face center (FC), and the ground impact point (GI) along the Y-axis 50. In some embodiments, the face height (HSF) can be between 1.5 and 1.8 inch, between 1.6 and 1.9 inch, between 1.7 and 2.0 inch, between 1.8 and 2.1 inch, or between 1.9 and 2.2 inch. Since wood-type club heads generally have a face center above the ground impact point, lowering the face height (HSF) can advantageously balance ground and tee performance. In some embodiments, the face center height (HFC) can be between 0.75 inch and 1.2 inches. In some embodiments, the face center height (HFC) can be between 0.75 and 1.0 inch, between 0.85 and 1.05 inch, between 0.90 and 1.1 inch, between 0.95 and 1.15 inch, or between 1.0 and 1.2 inch. However, if the face height (HSF) or the face center height (HFC) are too short (i.e., shorter than the ranges disclosed above), the club head volume and MOI are reduced.

[0057] The strike face 102 can also comprise a low face nadir height (HFN), relative to the club head volume. In some embodiments, the face nadir height (HFN) can be between 0.050 and 0.150 inch. In some embodiments, the face nadir height (HFN) can be less than 0.150 inch, less than 0.125 inch, less than 0.100 inch, less than 0.075 inch, or less than 0.050 inch. a shorter face nadir height (HFN) lowers the face center (FC) and thereby reduces the distance between the face center (FC) and the ground impact point (GI). A lower face nadir height (HFN) shifts the CG towards the ground impact point (GI), which improves ground performance. If the face nadir height (HFN) is too tall (i.e., taller than the ranges disclosed above), ground performance is diminished, because the CG projection point will be too far above the ground impact point (GI) and any strikes off the ground will occur low on the strike face 102, near the leading edge 103. If the face nadir height (HFN) is too short (i.e., shorter than the ranges described above), turf interaction on ground shots may be diminished, as the leading edge 102 may dig into the ground.

[0058] A face thickness of the strike face 102 is selected to balance ground and tee performance. The face thickness can complement the face height (HSF) to increase ball speed without compromising durability. Conventional drivers typically have taller strike face heights and thereby require a greater strike face thickness to maintain durability. Conventional fairway woods typically have shorter strike face heights, and therefore have thinner strike face thicknesses to increase ball speed. The present club head 100, which comprises a strike face height (HSF) between that of a conventional driver and that of a conventional fairway wood, can comprise a strike face thickness between 0.060 and 0.180 inch. In some embodiments, the strike face thickness can be between 0.060 and 0.068 inch, between 0.068 and 0.076 inch, between 0.076 and 0.084 inch, between 0.084 and 0.092 inch, between 0.092 and 0.100 inch, between 0.100 and 0.108 inch, between 0.108 and 0.116 inch, between 0.116 and 0.124 inch, between 0.124 and 0.132 inch, between 0.132 and 0.140 inch, between 0.140 and 0.148 inch, between 0.148 and 0.156 inch, between 0.156 and 0.164 inch, between 0.164 and 0.172 inch, or between 0.172 and 0.180 inch. The strike face thicknesses disclosed herein can apply to a maximum strike face thickness, a minimum strike face thickness, or any thickness located within the strike face perimeter. The strike face thickness can depend on the strike face height HSF. If the strike face thickness is too thin (i.e., thinner than the ranges disclosed herein) relative to the strike face height HSF, strike face durability is compromised. If the strike face thickness is too thick (i.e., thicker than the ranges disclosed herein) relative to the strike face height HSF, ball speed is sacrificed.C. Leading Edge Transition Dimensions

[0059] A shape of the leading edge is configured to balance ground and tee performance. Referring now to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the surface between the leading edge 103 and the sole 112 defines a leading edge transition 180 in part bounded by the face nadir (FN) and a sole transition point (ST). The leading edge transition 180 comprises a leading edge transition radius (LER) and a sole transition arc (STA) located along the YZ plane. The leading edge transition radius (LER) is a section of the leading edge transition 180 with a constant radius which connects the leading edge 103 to the sole transition arc (STA). The sole transition arc (STA) is an arcuate portion of the leading edge transition 180 which connects the leading edge transition radius (LER) to the sole transition point (ST). The sole transition point (ST) is a point which defines the boundary between the sole 112 and the leading edge transition 180 along the YZ plane. The sole transition point (ST) is further defined as the point along the YZ plane where the curvature of the body 101 deviates from that of the sole transition arc (STA) and begins to follow the curvature of the sole 112. In some embodiments which include a slit (as described below), a forwardmost point of the slit along the YZ plane may define the sole transition point (ST).

[0060] Front-to-back direction shaping of the leading edge transition 180 has a strong influence on both turf interaction and CG projection point (CP) location. As discussed below, for tee performance it is advantageous to align the CG projection point (CP) with the face center (FC). Conventional drivers are often designed with a gradual leading edge transition 180 in a front-to-back direction. This gradual leading edge transition helps to align the CG projection point (CP) with face center (FC) by effectively raising the face center (FC). Raising the face center (FC) allows more mass to be positioned below face center (FC), thereby lowering the CG relative to face center (FC) and balancing out a bulbous crown geometry which is characteristic of conventional drivers. Further, when a player has a “fat” strike (i.e. makes contact with the ground before contacting the golf ball) a gradual leading edge transition 180 in a front-to-back direction allows the club to glide through the turf into the ball instead of digging into the turf.

[0061] Conversely, a sharper leading edge transition 180 can help the club head cut through embedded lies (such as thick rough, sand, and plugged lies) and will not bounce off the ground on “fat” strikes. Since conventional fairway woods and hybrids are used for shots from varying lies, they usually comprise a very sharp leading edge transition 180 (i.e. a short nadir height (HFN)). Since fairway woods and hybrids are used for hitting a ball off the ground, it is desirous to align the CG projection point (CP) with the ground impact point (GI) instead of face center (FC). Since the ground impact point (GI) is fixed, conventional fairway woods and hybrids are generally designed with a sharper leading edge transition 180 which lowers the leading edge 102, and aligns the CG projection point (CP) and the ground impact point (GI).

[0062] While turf interaction and CG height are primary considerations for leading edge transition 180 shaping, stress concentrations proximate the leading edge 103 limits how sharp the leading edge transition 180 curvature can be. In general, front-to-back direction leading edge curvature must balance ball speed and stress distribution. As discussed above, driver-type club heads tend to implement very tall strike faces to increase ball speed. These tall strike faces exhibit large amounts of deflection during impact, which create large stress concentrations at the boundary of the leading edge and leading edge transition 180. A more gradual leading edge transition 180 helps to mitigate stress concentrations. On the other hand, conventional fairway woods and hybrids typically comprise shorter strike faces, providing greater durability. Therefore, conventional fairway woods and hybrids can accommodate a sharper leading edge transition 180 without sacrificing durability. Consequently, conventional drivers tend to have a more rounded leading edge transition 180, whereas conventional fairway woods and hybrids are characterized by more abrupt leading edge transitions 180.

[0063] The club head 100 comprises a strike face thickness between that of a conventional driver and conventional fairway woods and hybrids. In particular, an exemplary club head constructed according to the present disclosure could have a strike face thickness between 0.060 and 0.180 inch, as discussed above. Therefore, to dissipate stress, it follows that the front-to-back leading edge transition 180 shaping will need to be somewhere between that of a conventional driver and convention fairway woods and hybrids.

[0064] The present club head 100 comprises a leading edge transition 180 that balances both tee performance and ground performance. The leading edge transition 180 shaping in a front-to-back direction helps position the CG projection point (CP) between the ground impact point (GI) (for ground shots) and face center (FC) (for tee shots). Referring to FIG. 5B, the club head comprises a sole transition length (STL) defined as the distance between the face nadir (FN) and sole transition point (ST) measured along the z-axis. The club head further comprises a sole transition height (STH) defined as the distance between the face nadir (FN) and sole transition point (ST) measured along the Y-axis 50 (See FIGS. 5A and 5B). A ratio of the sole transition height (STH) to sole transition length (STL) (hereafter “sole transition ratio”) can indicate whether a club head has a gradual or sharp front-to-back leading edge transition 180 curvature. A sole transition ratio between 0.700 and 1.100 is characteristic of a gradual front-to-back leading edge transition 180 curvature often found in conventional drivers. A sole transition ratio between 2.000 and 4.000 is characteristic of a sharp front-to-back leading edge transition 180 curvature often found in conventional fairway woods and hybrids. An exemplary club head constructed according to the present disclosure could have a sole transition ratio between 1.100 and 2.000 In some embodiments, the sole transition ratio can be between 1.100, 1.125, 1.167, 1.250, 1.333, 1.500, 1.625, 1.750, 1.875, 1.925, or 2.000. In other embodiments the sole transition ratio can be between 1.100 and 1.125, 1.125 and 1.167, 1.167 and 1.250, 1.250 and 1.333, 1.333 and 1.500, 1.500 and 1.625, 1.625 and 1.750, 1.750 and 1.875, 1.875 and 1.925, or between 1.925 and 2.000.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 5B, another way to quantify the severity of the front-to-back leading edge transition 180 curvature is the leading edge transition radius (LER) (defined above). Conventional drivers can have a leading edge transition radius (LER) between 0.3 and 0.5 inches. Conventional fairway woods can have a leading edge transition radius (LER) between 0.025 and 0.20 inches. An exemplary club head constructed according to the present disclosure can have a leading edge transition radius (LER) of 0.215 inches. Other embodiments of a club head constructed according to the present disclosure can have a leading edge transition radius (LER) between 0.200 and 0.213 inches, between 0.213 and 0.226 inches, between 0.226 and 0.239 inches, between 0.239 and 0.252 inches, between 0.252 and 0.265 inches, between 0.265 and 0.278 inches, between 0.278 and 0.291 inches, or between 0.291 and 0.300 inches.

[0066] Heel-to-toe shaping of the leading edge transition 180 also influences CG projection point (CP) location as well as turf interaction on off-center strikes. A sharper leading edge transition 180 in the heel-to-toe direction moves mass away from the ground plane by effectively raising the strike face. Thereby, a sharper leading edge transition 180 in the heel-to-toe direction tends to also raise the CG projection point (CP) location. Conversely, a more gradual leading edge transition 180 in the heel-toe direction (which is characteristic of conventional fairway woods and hybrids) lowers the CG projection point (CP) location, aiding in aligning it with the fixed ground impact point (GI). Additionally, if the leading edge transition 180 is too sharp in a heel-to-toe direction, the “fat” strike forgiveness discussed above is only available when the player makes centered (heel-to-toe direction) contact. A more gradual leading edge transition 180 in a heel-toe direction will bring the leading edge 103 closer to the ground plane and expose the front-to-back leading edge transition curvature across more of the strike face. This more gradual leading edge transition 180 leads to more forgiveness on “fat” strikes even for off-center (heel-to-toe) strikes.

[0067] As discussed above, heel-to-toe shaping of the leading edge transition affects location of the CG projection point (CP) and turf interaction on off-center strikes. The heel-to-toe curvature of the leading edge transition 180 can be characterized by a ratio of the face center height (HFC) to face center width (WFC) (hereafter “heel-toe shaping ratio”), as illustrated in FIG. 3. Conventional driver-type club heads have a heel-toe shaping ratio between 0.325 and 0.375. Conventional fairway woods have a heel-toe shaping ratio between 0.200 and 0.250. An exemplary club head constructed according to the present disclosure can have a heel-toe shaping ratio of 0.290. Other embodiments of a club head constructed according to the present disclosure can have a heel-toe shaping ratio of between 0.250 and 0.2625, 0.2625 and 0.275, 0.275 and 0.2875, 0.2875 and 0.300, 0.300 and 0.3125, or between 0.3125 and 0.325.II. Weight Member

[0068] An adjustable weighting system of the club head 100 includes a heavy weight member 191 located in a rearward and soleward position, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The heavy weight member positions the club head CG in a desirable location for balancing tee and ground performance. The weight member 191 increases the CG depth, thereby increasing MOI and lowers the CG height to balance ground and tee performance (described in detail below).

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable weighting system comprises a singular weight member 191 that is movable between a plurality of discrete positions, rather than a plurality of swappable or interchangeable weights. As such, the single weight member 191 comprises a significant amount of mass. This configuration more efficiently concentrates mass towards the rear 111 and the sole 112 to improve club head MOI and lower the CG, improving both ground and tee performance. The single, heavy weight member 191 also allows the club head CG to be adjusted without having to move the weight member 191 a significant distance within the channel.

[0070] In some embodiments, the weight member 191 comprises a weight member mass between 25 grams and 40 grams. In some embodiments, the weight member mass can be greater than 25 grams, greater than 30 grams, greater than 35 grams, or greater than 40 grams. In some embodiments, the weight member mass can be between 25 and 30 grams, 30 and 35 grams, 30 and 40 grams, or 35 and 40 grams. In some embodiments, the weight member mass can be greater than 25 grams, 26 grams, 27 grams, 28 grams, 29 grams, 30 grams, 31 grams, 32 grams, 33 grams, 34 grams, 35 grams, 36 grams, 37 grams, 38 grams, 39 grams, or greater than 40 grams. A weight member 191 with a mass between 25 grams and 40 grams creates a low and rearward CG position that balances ground and tee performance.

[0071] The weight member 191 can comprise a significant percentage of the total club head mass. In particular, the weight member 191 can comprise between 15% and 50% of the total club head mass. In some embodiments, the weight member 191 can comprise between 15% and 20%, 20% and 25%, 25% and 30%, 30% and 35%, 35% and 40%, 40% and 45%, or between 45% and 50% of the total club head mass. In some embodiments, the weight member 191 can comprise greater than 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or greater than 50% of the total club head mass. A weight member 191 that comprises between 15% and 50% of the club head mass significantly affects the club head CG position.

[0072] The weight member 191 comprises a weight member center of gravity (hereafter referred to as the “weight member CGW”). The weight member CGW, as best illustrated in FIG. 7, is the point at which mass is centered within the weight member 191. The weight member 191 can define a weight member CG depth (CGWZ), measured parallel to the Z-axis 60 from the face center (FC). In some embodiments, the weight member CG depth (CGWZ) can be greater than 90% of the body depth (DB) to increase the club head MOI and increase forgiveness. In some embodiments, the weight member CG depth (CGWZ) can be approximately 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or approximately 100% of the body depth (DB). In other embodiments, the weight member CG depth (CGWZ) can be between 94% and 96%, 96% and 98%, or between 98% and 100% of the body depth (DB). A weight member CG depth (CGWZ) greater than or equal to 95% of the body depth (DB) is sufficient to ensure the weight member 191 significantly increases the club head MOI. In some embodiments, the weight member CG depth (CGWZ) can be between 4.00 and 4.75 inch. In some embodiments, the weight member CG depth (CG-WZ) can be between 4.00 and 4.25 inch, between 4.25 and 4.50 inch, or between 4.50 and 4.75 inch. In some embodiments, the weight member CG depth (CGWZ) can be greater than 4.00 inch, greater than 4.10 inch, greater than 4.20 inch, greater than 4.25 inch, greater than 4.30 inch, greater than 4.40 inch, greater than 4.50 inch, greater than 4.60 inch, greater than 4.70 inch, or greater than 4.75 inch.

[0073] The weight member CGW can be located in a soleward position to lower the CG projection Point (CP) for more balanced ground and tee performance. Referring to FIG. 7, the club head can comprise a weight member CG height (YWGP) measured between the weight member CGW and the ground plane 10, along the Y-axis 50. In some embodiments, the weight member CG height (YWGP) can be between 0.005 and 0.50 inch. In some embodiments, the weight member CG height (YWGP) can be between 0.005 inch and 0.10 inch, 0.10 inch and 0.15 inch, 0.15 inch and 0.20 inch, 0.20 inch and 0.25 inch, 0.25 inch and 0.30 inch, 0.30 inch and 0.35 inch, 0.35 inch and 0.40 inch, 0.40 inch and 0.45 inch, or between 0.45 inch and 0.50 inch. In many embodiments, the weight member CG height (YWGP) can be less than 0.50 inch. In some embodiments, the weight member CG height (YWGP) can be less than 0.50 inch, 0.45 inch, 0.40 inch, 0.35 inch, 0.30 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.20 inch, 0.15 inch, or less than 0.10 inch. A weight member CG height (YWGP) between 0.005 inch and 0.50 inch, or less than 0.10 inch sufficiently lowers the club head CG to balance ground and tee performance.

[0074] The adjustable weighting system allows the user to adjust CG position for a desired performance characteristic, such as shot-bend correction. The adjustable weighting systems discussed herein can be substantially similar to those found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 249,525, filed Mar. 4, 2021, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 185,923, filed Nov. 9, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,556,161, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the adjustable weighting system 190 comprises a weight member 191 within a weight housing structure 192, wherein the weight member 191 is adjustable between a plurality of discrete attachment points 193. The weight housing structure 192 forms a slot 194 configured to receive and accommodate the weight member 191 in any of the plurality of discrete positions (described in further detail below).

[0075] The adjustable weighting system 190 comprises a plurality of discrete attachment points 193 configured to receive the weight member 191. The adjustable weighting systems disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 249,525 filed Mar. 4, 2021, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 185,923, filed Nov. 9, 2018, contemplate a plurality of discrete attachment point 193 locations, including up to six discrete attachment points 193. Although the golf club head 100 according to the present invention can comprise any number of discrete attachment points 193, the present disclosure focuses primarily on adjustable weighting systems that include three discrete attachment points 193. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates a heel-side discrete attachment point 193a, a neutral discrete attachment point 193b, and a toe-side discrete attachment point 193c. All measurements and descriptions of adjustable weighting systems 190 disclosed herein are understood to refer to embodiments wherein the weight member 191 is attached to the neutral discrete attachment point 193b, unless otherwise noted.

[0076] While the present disclosure and figures illustrate embodiments of the adjustable weighting system having a weight member that is removably attached to one of a plurality of discrete attachment points, in other embodiments, the weight member can be permanently fixed or removably attached to a single location within the housing structure.III. Slit

[0077] In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises a slit 140 that improves strike face bending dynamics by increasing ball speed and decreasing spin. Referring to FIG. 8, a forward region of the sole 112 forms the slit 140. The slit 140 is an opening extending through the body 101. As such, the slit 140 is a discontinuity in the body 101 that forms an aperture into the interior cavity 107. The slit 140 provides a passageway that fluidly communicates the interior cavity 107 to the club head exterior. The slit 140 strategically weakens the sole 112, thereby increasing sole and strike face flexibility. The increased strike face and sole flexibility increases ball speed by returning more energy to the golf ball. The increased sole flexibility also delofts the strike face 102 at impact, which further increases ball speed and decreases spin. Because the slit 140 is formed in the sole 112, the slit 140 improves performance on low strikes, which are more common for shots hit off of the ground. As such, the slit 140 improves ground performance typically associated with low impacts on the strike face 102. As described in further detail below, in some embodiments, the club head 100 can comprise a CG position that favors tee performance over ground performance. In such embodiments, the club head 100 can comprise a slit 140 to complement the CG position. The slit 140 can improve performance on low strikes and strikes off the ground, whereas the CG position can improve performance off the tee.

[0078] Improved launch characteristics may be balanced with durability considerations associated with strategically weakening the sole 112. In general, increasing flexibility tends to decrease durability, whereas decreasing flexibility tends to increase durability. The club heads described herein increase flexibility to improve launch characteristics without compromising structural integrity.

[0079] The slit 140 is formed in a forward region of the sole 112. Referring to FIG. 8, the slit 140 is formed between a slit forward edge 141 proximate the strike face 102 and a slit rearward edge 143 that is spaced rearward of the slit forward edge 141. The slit 140 can comprise a slit heel end 146 proximate the heel 104 and a slit toe end 148 proximate the toe 104. The slit 140 comprises a slit central portion 145 between the slit heel end 146 and the slit toe end 148.

[0080] The proximity of the slit 140 to the strike face 102 influences strike face deflection during impact or “flexibility”. A slit 140 positioned close to the strike face 102 will increase flexibility, whereas a slit 140 positioned further from the strike face 102 will decrease strike face flexibility. If the slit 140 is too close to the strike face 102, however, club head durability may be compromised. Referring to FIG. 9, the club head 100 comprises a slit offset distance DSO defined as the front-to-back distance between the leading edge 103 and the slit forward edge. To increase strike face flexibility while maintaining durability, the slit offset distance DSO can be between 0.050 and 0.250 inch. In some embodiments, the slit offset distance DSO is between 0.050 and 0.100 inch, between 0.075 and 0.125 inch, between 0.100 and 0.150 inch, between 0.125 and 0.175 inch, between 0.150 and 0.200 inch, between 0.175 and 0.225 inch, or between 0.200 and 0.250 inch.

[0081] The slit 140 can comprise one or more relief portions 147 to effectively increase the length of the slot, thereby increasing flexibility without significantly decreasing durability. As best shown in FIG. 9, the relief portions 147 extend from the slit central portion 145 to proximate the slit ends (i.e., the slit heel 146 end and the slit toe end 148). The relief portions 147 can be angled away from the strike face 102 and can dissipate stress near the slit ends 146, 148. The slit 140 can comprise a heel relief portion proximate the slit heel end 146, a toe relief portion proximate the slit toe end 148, or a combination thereof. The one or more relief portions 145 can comprise a relief angle αR, illustrated in FIG. 9. The relief angle αR is the angle between a relief portion axis 149 extending substantially longitudinally through the relief portion 147 and the X-axis 40. The relief angle αR can be between 10° and 60°. The relief angle αR influences slit flexibility and durability. A smaller relief angle αR essentially acts as lengthening the slit, whereas a smaller relief angle αR increases slit flexibility, but may also lead to increased stress.

[0082] The slit 140 is bordered by a slit front wall 142 and a slit rear wall 144. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the slit front wall 142 is located along the slit forward edge 141 and extends upwards from a sole interior surface into the interior cavity 107. Likewise, the slit rear wall 144 is located along the slit rearward edge 143 and extends upwards from the sole interior surface into the interior cavity 107. The slit front wall 142 and the slit rear wall 144 (i.e., the “slit walls”) are spaced apart from one another.

[0083] The slit dimensions influence slit flexibility and durability. Referring to FIG. 9, the slit 140 comprises a slit length LS, measured from the heelmost point of the slit heel end 146 to the toemost point of the slit toe end 148, parallel to the X-axis 40. The slit length LS can be between 1.5 and 4.0 inches.

[0084] The slit 140 further comprises a slit width WS, measured from the slit forward edge 141 to the slit rearward edge 143. The slit width WS can range from 0.10 inch to 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the slit width WS can vary along the slit length LS. In some embodiments, the slit comprises a greater width WS near the slit central portion 145 and a lesser width WS near the slit ends 146, 148. The slit length LS and slit width WS can be selected to balance slit flexibility and durability. Increasing the slit length LS and width WS can increase slit flexibility but may also increase stress in certain areas of the slit 140. Conversely, decreasing the slit length LS and width WS can increase slit durability at the expense of slit flexibility.

[0085] Further, the slit wall dimensions influence slit flexibility and durability. Referring to FIG. 10A, the slit front wall 142 comprises a slit front wall height HFW measured vertically (i.e., parallel to the Y-axis) from the ground plane 10 to the top end 149 of the slit front wall 144. The slit front wall height HFW can be between 0.10 and 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the slit front wall height HFW varies across the slit length LS. In some embodiments, the slit 140 comprises a greater front wall height HFW proximate the slit central portion 145 than proximate the slit ends. The increased slit front wall height HFW provides extra reinforcement and dissipates commonly occurring stresses in the slit central portion 145, which are typical for center impacts.

[0086] Similarly, the slit rear wall 144 comprises a slit rear wall height HRW measured vertically from the ground plane 10 to a top end 151 of the slit rear wall 144. The slit rear wall height HRW can be between 0.10 and 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the slit rear wall height HRW varies across the slit length LS. In other embodiments, the slit rear wall height HRW can be substantially constant across the slit length LS. Typically, the slit rear wall 144 experiences less intense stresses than the slit front wall 142 and therefore may not require the extra reinforcement provided by a variable rear wall height HRW.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 10A, the slit front wall 142 comprises a slit front wall thickness (TSFW) measured between a front wall forward surface and a front wall rearward surface (i.e., the surface of the front wall that interfaces the slit), perpendicular to the front wall forward surface. The slit front wall thickness can be between 0.050 and 0.50 inches. In some embodiments, the slit front wall thickness varies across the slit length LS. In some embodiments, the slit 140 comprises a greater front wall thickness in the slit central portion 145 than proximate the slit ends.

[0088] Similarly, the slit rear wall 144 comprises a slit rear wall thickness (TSRW) measured between a rear wall forward surface (i.e., the surface of the rear wall that interfaces the slit) and a rear wall rearward surface, perpendicular to the rear wall forward surface. The slit rear wall thickness can be between 0.050 and 0.50. In some embodiments, the slit rear wall thickness varies across the slit length LS. In other embodiments, the slit rear wall thickness can be substantially constant across the slit length LS. Typically, the slit rear wall 144 experiences less intense stresses than the slit front wall 142 and therefore may not require the extra reinforcement provided by a variable rear wall thickness.

[0089] The club head 100 further comprises a slit insert 150 to seal the slit 140 and close off the interior cavity 107 from the club head exterior. In some embodiments, the slit insert 150 can reinforce the slit 140 and improve durability. Referring to FIG. 10A, the slit insert 150 is configured to engage one or more of the slit walls. The slit insert 150 can be any shape. In the present embodiment, the slit insert 150 is a “U-shaped” insert comprising a base 152, an insert front wall 154, and an insert rear wall 156. The slit insert 150 can be secured within the slit 140 by mechanical means, adhesive means, welding, or a combination thereof.

[0090] Alternatively, club head 100 can comprise a slit insert 150 which includes a slit insert crumple zone 158 and / or a slit insert gasket flange 159, as shown in FIG. 10B. The slit insert crumple zone 158 increases compressibility of the slit insert 150 in a front-to back direction. Thereby, the slit insert crumple zone 158 can allow for increased sole flexibility while still ensuring increased durability when compared to a slit 140 without a slit insert 150. The geometry of the slit insert crumple zone 158 can be tuned to achieve desired launch characteristics. In particular, to achieve greater ball speed and lower launch the slit insert crumple zone width (CZW) can be increased. Alternatively, slit insert crumple zone width (CZW) can be decreased in order to achieve higher launch and decreased ball speed numbers. The slit insert crumple zone height (CZH) can also be tuned to achieve desired launch characteristics, but has less effect on ball speed and launch than slit insert crumple zone width (CZW).

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the slit insert crumple zone 158 can comprise a slit insert crumple zone width (CZW) of 0.100 inches. Alternative embodiments of the slit insert crumple zone 158 can comprise a slit insert crumple zone width (CZW) between 0.050 and 0.070 inches, 0.070 and 0.090 inches, 0.090 and 0.110 inches, 0.110 and 0.130 inches, 0.130 and 0.150 inches, 0.150 and 0.170 inches, 0.170 and 0.190 inches, 0.190 and 0.210 inches, 0.210 and 0.230 inches, or between 0.230 and 0.250 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the slit insert crumple zone 158 can comprise a slit insert crumple zone height (CZH) of 0.025 inches. Alternative embodiments of the slit insert crumple zone 158 can comprise a slit insert crumple zone height (CZH) between 0.010 and 0.030 inches, 0.030 and 0.050 inches, 0.050 and 0.070 inches, 0.070 and 0.090 inches, 0.090 and 0.100 inches

[0092] As mentioned above, the slit insert 150 may comprise a slit insert gasket flange 159, as shown in FIG. 10B. The slit insert gasket flange 159 is a return flange on the slit insert 150 which partially surrounds the slit rear wall top end 151. Alternative embodiments of the slit insert gasket flange 159 could comprise a return flange on the slit insert 150 which partially surrounds the slit front wall top end 149. The slit insert gasket flange 159 improves seating of the slit insert 150 by preventing sliding of the slit insert 150 in a crown-to-sole direction. In some embodiments the slit insert gasket flange 159 can extend across the entire slit length LS. In other embodiments the slit insert gasket flange 159 can extend across a portion of the slit length LS. The slit insert gasket flange 159 can extend across between 5% and 10%, 10% and 15%, 15% and 20%, 20% and 25%, 25% and 30%, 30% and 35%, 35% and 40%, 40% and 45%, 45% and 50%, 50% and 55%, 55% and 60%, 60% and 65%, 65% and 70%, 70% and 75%, 75% and 80%, 80% and 85%, 85% and 90%, 90% and 95%, or between 95% and 100% of the slit length LS.

[0093] In alternative embodiments, as best illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the club head 100 can be devoid of a slit entirely. In such embodiments, the club head 100 can comprise a smooth and continuous sole 112 that is uninterrupted by any slits or channels. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for the club head to be devoid of a slit to allow for a desired mass distribution. The absence of a slit allows mass to be distributed low and forward in the sole 112, in areas that would otherwise be occupied by the slit. Doing so can provide a lower and / or a more forward CG position, thereby improving ground performance. As such, the absence or presence of a slit can be determined by the desired balance between ground performance and tee performance.IV. Mass Properties

[0094] The club head comprises mass properties that balance ground and tee performance. The club head comprises a low CG position that improves ground performance over a conventional driver and a high MOI that improves forgiveness over a conventional fairway wood. In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises an IXX between 2800 and 3800 g*cm2. In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises an IXX between 2800 and 3000 g*cm2, between 3000 and 3200 g*cm2, between 3200 and 3400 g*cm2, between 3400 and 3600 g*cm2, or between 3600 and 3800 g*cm2. In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises an IXX greater than 2800 g*cm2, greater than 3000 g*cm2, greater than 3200 g*cm2, greater than 3400 g*cm2, greater than 3600 g*cm2, or greater than 3800 g*cm2. The desired CG position and MOI values detailed in this section can be achieved by implementing the features disclosed above, including but not limited to: body shaping; heel-to-toe shaping; leading edge shaping; strike face shaping; and inclusion of weight members, slits, and slit inserts, By shaping the club head and implementing the features disclosed herein, the CG projection point (CP), face center (FC), and the ground impact point (GI) can be collocated along the Y-axis 50, thereby balancing both ground performance and tee performance while still achieving optimal launch characteristics and high forgiveness (a combined MOI of at least 7000 g*cm2).

[0095] In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises an IYY between 4000 and 5000 g*cm2. In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises an IYY between 4000 and 4200 g*cm2, between 4200 and 4400 g*cm2, between 4400 and 4600 g*cm2, between 4600 and 4800 g*cm2, or between 4800 and 5000 g*cm2. In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises an IYY greater than 4000 g*cm2, greater than 4200 g*cm2, greater than 4400 g*cm2, greater than 4600 g*cm2, greater than 4800 g*cm2, or greater than 5000 g*cm2.

[0096] In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises a combined MOI, defined as the sum of IXX and IYY, between 7000 and 9000 g*cm2. In some embodiments, the club head 100 comprises a combined MOI between 7000 and 7200 g*cm2, between 7200 and 7400 g*cm2, between 7400 and 7600 g*cm2, between 7600 and 7800 g*cm2, between 7800 and 8000 g*cm2, between 8000 and 8200 g*cm2, between 8200 and 8400 g*cm2, between 8400 and 8600 g*cm2, between 8600 and 8800 g*cm2, or between 8800 and 9000 g*cm2. In some embodiments, the combined MOI can be greater than 7000 g*cm2, greater than 7200 g*cm2, greater than 7400 g*cm2, greater than 7500 g*cm2, greater than 7600 g*cm2, greater than 7800 g*cm2, greater than 8000 g*cm2, greater than 8200 g*cm2, greater than 8400 g*cm2, greater than 8600 g*cm2, greater than 8800 g*cm2, or greater than 9000 g*cm2.

[0097] The club head 100 retains a high MOI, despite having a smaller volume than a conventional driver. The club head 100 can comprise a high MOI / volume ratio defined as the combined MOI divided by the club head volume. In some embodiments, the MOI / volume ratio can be between 15 and 30 g / cm. In some embodiments, the MOI / volume ratio can be between 15 and 20 g / cm, between 20 and 25 g / cm, or between 25 and 30 g / cm. In some embodiments, the MOI / Volume ratio can be greater than 15 g / cm, greater than 17.5 g / cm, greater than 20 g / cm, greater than 22.5 g / cm, greater than 25 g / cm, greater than 27.5 g / cm, or greater than 30 g / cm.

[0098] The low CG position can be characterized by a CG ground plane height YGP, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the CG ground plane height YGP can be between 0.50 and 0.75 inch. In some embodiments, the CG ground plane height YGP can be between 0.50 and 0.60 inch, between 0.55 and 0.65 inch, between 0.60 and 0.70 inch, or between 0.65 and 0.75 inch. In some embodiments, the CG ground plane height YGP can be less than 0.75 inch, less than 0.70 inch, less than 0.65 inch, less than 0.60 inch, less than 0.55 inch, or less than 0.50 inch. A lower CG helps improve ground performance, as described below. However, if the CG ground plane height YGP is too low (i.e., lower than the ranges described herein), tee performance will diminish.

[0099] As discussed above, the club head comprises a CG position that balances tee performance with ground performance. Referring to FIG. 11, the club head 101 comprises a CG projection point (CP) where the CG is perpendicularly projected onto the loft plane 15. In general, the closer the CG projection point (CP) is to the face center (FC), the better the tee performance. Aligning the CG projection point (CP) with the face center (FC) improves the force transfer efficiency between the club head 101 and the golf ball on center strikes. Similarly, the closer the CG projection point (CP) is to the ground impact point (GI), the better the ground performance. Aligning the CG projection point (CP) with the ground impact point (GI) improves the force transfer efficiency between the club head 100 and the golf ball on strikes at the ground impact point (GI), which commonly occur when hitting the golf ball off the ground.

[0100] The CG projection point (CP) is located between the face center (FC) and the ground impact point (GI) to balance ground performance with tee performance. This allows the CG projection point (CP) to simultaneously be located near both the face center (FC) and the ground impact point (GI) which, due to the face height HSF, are generally not at the same location.

[0101] The relative locations of the face center (FC), the CG projection point (CP), and the ground impact point (GI) can be described in terms of vertical height from the ground plane 10. As discussed above, the ground impact point (GI) is defined by a ground impact point height (HGI) of 0.65 inch measured perpendicular to the ground plane 10. Further, as discussed above, the face center height (HFC), measured from the ground plane 10, can be between 0.80 and 1.2 inch, depending on the face height (HSF). Referring to FIG. 11, the CG projection point (CP) can comprise a CG projection height (HCP) measured perpendicular to the ground plane 10. In some embodiments, the CG projection height (HCP) can be between 0.65 and 1.2 inch. In some embodiments, the CG projection height (HCP) can be between 0.65 and 0.80 inch, between 0.70 and 0.90 inch, between 0.80 and 1.0 inch, between 0.90 and 1.1 inch, or between 1.0 and 1.2 inch.

[0102] Because the face center height (HFC) depends on the face height (HSF), whereas the ground impact point height (HGI) is constant regardless of club head shaping or sizing, the CG position can be described in terms of a CG projection ratio between the face center height (HFC), the CG projection height (HCP) and the ground impact point height (HGI). The CG projection ratio is defined by the equation below:CG⁢ projection⁢ ratio=HCP-HGIHFC-HGI

[0103] The CG projection ratio describes the proportional location of the CG projection point (CP) between the face center (FC) and the ground impact point (GI). The closer the CG projection ratio is to 1, the closer the CG projection point (CP) is to the face center (FC) than the ground impact point (GI). The closer the CG projection ratio is to 0, the closer the CG projection point (CP) is to the ground impact point (GI) than the face center (FC). In some embodiments, the CG projection ratio is approximately 0.5, which represents a CG projection point (CP) spaced approximately evenly between the ground impact point (GI) and the face center (FC). A CG projection ratio near 0.5 achieves the most evenly balanced CG position for ground performance and tee performance. In some embodiments, the CG projection ratio can be between 0.40 and 0.60. In some embodiments, the CG projection ratio can be between 0.40 and 0.45, between 0.45 and 0.50, between 0.50 and 0.55, or between 0.55 and 0.60.

[0104] In some embodiments, the club head 100 can comprise a CG projection point (CP) that is closer to the face center (FC) than the ground impact point (GI). In some embodiments, the CG projection ratio can be between 0.6 and 0.9. In some embodiments, the CG projection ratio can be between 0.60 and 0.65, between 0.65 and 0.70, between 0.70 and 0.75, between 0.75 and 0.80, between 0.80 and 0.85, or between 0.85 and 0.90. In some embodiments, the CG projection ratio can be between 0.60 and 0.70, between 0.65 and 0.75, between 0.70 and 0.80, between 0.75 and 0.85, or between 0.80 and 0.90. This configuration can prioritize tee performance over ground performance for players who frequently hit wood-type club heads off the tee. In some embodiments, the CG projection point is skewed towards the face center (FC) to balance ground performance by complementing other club head features. For example, some embodiments, as described herein, comprise a sole slit, which improves ground performance and ball speed on low hits. In such embodiments, the ground performance can be predominantly improved by the slit, whereas the tee performance is predominantly improved by the CG position.

[0105] In some embodiments, as described above, the strike face 102 is shaped such that the face center (FC) and the ground impact point (GI) are relatively close together. The strike face shaping reduces the tradeoff between ground performance and tee performance by ensuring the CG projection point (CP) maintains proximity to both the face center (FC) and the ground impact point (GI). In some embodiments, the club head 100 can comprise a maximum impact distance defined as the greater of 1) the difference between the face center height (HFC) and the CG projection height (HCP); and 2) the difference between the CG projection height (HCP) and the ground impact point height (HGI). In some embodiments, the maximum impact distance can be less than 0.5 inch. In some embodiments, the maximum impact distance can be less than 0.4 inch, less than 0.3 inch, less than 0.2 inch, or less than 0.1 inch. Reducing the maximum impact distance can be challenging in a club head having a volume greater than 400 cm3, because conventional drivers have tall strike faces and tall leading edges. The present club head comprises a flat, wide body profile, a shallow strike face, and a low face nadir height that reduce the maximum impact distance and balance ground and tee performance.V. Additional FeaturesA. Multi-Material Construction

[0106] In some embodiments, the club head is formed of multiple different materials, referred to herein as a “multi-material construction.” More specifically, one or more low-density materials, such as composite, replace metal materials in selected areas of the club head to increase discretionary mass, which can be redeployed to increase MOI and / or locate CG as desired. The club head body comprises a frame and one or more lightweight inserts. The frame is formed from a metallic material to provide a durable structure that receives the one or more inserts. The frame surrounds or forms one or more openings configured to receive one or more inserts. The inserts can be crown inserts, sole inserts, central inserts that continuously wrap around the crown, sole, and skirt, or various combinations thereof. The one or more inserts are secured to the frame to define the body.

[0107] The frame can comprise one or more materials such as steel, stainless steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, or metal alloys. In some embodiments, the frame material can comprise a Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy, or a 17-4 stainless steel. In some embodiments, the frame material can be formed from C300, C350, Ni (Nickel)-Co(Cobalt)-Cr(Chromium)-Steel Alloy, 565 Steel, AISI type 304 or AISI type 630 stainless steel, 17-4 stainless steel, a titanium alloy, for example, but not limited to Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4-4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti185, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92, or Ti-8-1-1 titanium alloy, an amorphous metal alloy, or other similar metals.

[0108] The one or more inserts are formed from a lightweight composite material, which increases discretionary mass by replacing portions of the body that would otherwise be formed by the frame material. In some embodiments, the one or more inserts can comprise a composite formed from a polymer resin and reinforcing fiber. The polymer resin can comprise a thermoset or a thermoplastic resin. In some embodiments, the one or more composite inserts can comprise a carbon fiber composite material having multiple layers of unidirectional carbon fibers formed as a single, continuous piece. In some embodiments, the one or more composite inserts may comprise a bi-directional woven carbon fiber composite material having a single layer formed as a single, continuous piece. In some embodiments, the one or more composite inserts can comprise a fiber reinforced thermo-plastic material. The one or more composite inserts can be extruded, compression molded, injection molded, blow molded or bladder molded, 3-D printed, or otherwise formed by any other appropriate forming means.

[0109] A golf club head 1000 having a body 1001 that comprises one or more discrete composite inserts is illustrated in FIG. 12. Embodiments comprising one or more discrete composite inserts can include a crown insert 1060, a sole insert 1070, or a combination thereof. The golf club head can comprise any number of crown inserts and any number of sole inserts. Referring to FIG. 12, the crown insert 1060 wraps around the heel 1006 and the toe 1004 and forms a portion of the sole 1012. The one or more composite inserts are secured to the frame 1030 to define the body 1001. Each of the one or more discrete inserts is received within a corresponding opening located on the frame 1030. Each opening is distinct and defined by one or more portions of the frame 1030. As discussed above, the frame 1030 is formed from a metallic material to provide a sturdy structure for receiving the inserts, and the inserts are formed from a lightweight composite material to create discretionary mass.

[0110] A golf club head 2000 having a body 2001 that comprises a continuous, central insert 2080 (referred to as a “central insert”) is illustrated in FIG. 13. The central insert 2082 is secured to the frame 2030 to define the body 2001. The central insert 2082 wraps continuously around the body 2001 and forms at least a portion of the crown 2010, at least a portion of the sole 2012, and at least a portion of the body perimeter near both the heel 2004 and the toe 2006. The central insert 2082 can be a single component or multiple components. The central insert 2082 is received within a central opening located between a forward frame 2030A and rearward frame 2030B. As discussed above, the frame 2030 is formed from a metallic material to provide a sturdy structure for receiving the inserts, and the central insert 2082 is formed from a lightweight composite material, to create discretionary mass.B. Lightweight Shaft-Receiving Structure

[0111] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 can comprise an adjustable shaft-receiving mechanism to adjust the loft angle and / or lie angle, as best shown in FIG. 14A. The adjustable shaft-receiving mechanism can be similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 003,494, filed on Jan. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,868,035, granted on Jan. 16, 2018; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 304,836, filed on Jan. 25, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,607,590, granted on Mar. 21, 2023; which are both incorporated fully herein by reference.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable shaft-receiving mechanism comprises a shaft sleeve 126 configured to receive a golf club shaft and retained within the hosel 105 by a fastener 127. The shaft sleeve 126 and the hosel 105 comprise complementary geometries that allow the shaft sleeve 126 to be removed and rotated into a plurality of different configurations. Rotating the shaft sleeve 126 between different configurations will adjust a loft angle and / or a lie angle of the golf club head 100.

[0113] In some embodiments, as best shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the golf club head 100 can comprise a lightweight shaft-receiving structure 125 which creates discretionary mass. At least a portion of the shaft sleeve 126 is exposed to the interior cavity 107. In the present embodiment, rather than being retained by an internal structure such as an interior hosel tube or hosel wall, the shaft sleeve 126 is retained and supported in the golf club head 100 by structures that also form at least a portion of the exterior of the body 101. In many embodiments, the lightweight shaft-receiving structure 125 comprises an upper end 128A and a lower end 128B. In the present embodiment, the shaft sleeve 126 is secured only at the upper end 128A and the lower end 128B. The shaft sleeve 126 is inserted through a hosel bore opening 129 and retained at the upper end by the hosel 105. The shaft sleeve 126 can be secured to the golf club head 100 by a fastener 127.

[0114] Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to ocm3ur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim.

[0115] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and / or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.EXAMPLESI. Example 1: Mass Properties of Exemplary Club Head Balancing Ground and Tee Performance vs. Conventional Driver and Fairway Wood

[0116] The body dimensions and mass properties were compared between a mini-driver according to the present disclosure that balances ground and tee performance (hereafter the “exemplary club head”) and a prior-art driver-type club head and a prior-art fairway wood-type club head. The exemplary club head had dimensions and mass properties that fill that gap between a driver and fairway wood to improve off-the-tee performance and maintain off-the-ground performance of a fairway wood.TABLE 1ConventionalExemplaryConventionalClubDriverClub HeadFairway WoodVolume (cm3)465370186Loft (degrees)91315Mass (g)206219218Body Depth (in)4.704.373.50Body Width (in)4.874.784.401Body Height (in)2.572.061.494HB / WB Ratio0.530.430.34HB / DB Ratio0.540.470.43CGY (in)−0.27−0.31−0.184CG Ground Plane0.970.750.497Height (in)CGZ (in)1.781.671.211IXX [g*cm2]409334191545IYY [g*cm2]539448062859

[0117] As shown in Table 1 above, the exemplary club head had dimensions and mass properties that fell between the driver and fairway wood-type club head to combine the advantages of the driver for off the tee performance and the advantages of the fairway wood for off the ground performance. Specifically, the exemplary club head had higher MOIs (Ixx and Iyy) that were more similar to the driver MOI numbers while having a mass and loft that were more similar to the fairway wood. The dimensions of the exemplary club head skewed closer to the driver than the fairway wood while the HB / WB Ratio and HB / DB Ratio of the exemplary club head fell roughly in the middle of the driver and fairway wood. Similarly, the CG Ground Plane height of the exemplary club head was also roughly in the middle of the Driver and Fairway Wood CG Ground Plane heights. Accordingly, the exemplary club head fills in the dimension and mass properties gap between the driver and fairway wood club heads to balance ground and tee performance.II. Example 2: Mass Properties of Exemplary Club Head Balancing Ground and Tee Performance and Conventional Club Heads

[0118] The body dimensions and mass properties were compared between a mini-driver according to the present disclosure that balances ground and tee performance (hereafter the “exemplary club head”) and three prior-art mini-drivers that prioritize ground performance over tee performance (hereafter the “control club heads”). The exemplary club head comprised a larger club head volume and larger body dimensions than the control club heads. The exemplary club head included a 31 gram weight member in a rearward and soleward position, which created a low and rearward CG position. Control club head 2 had two weight members on the sole, including a 13.7 gram weight member near the rear end of the sole and a 3.5 gram weight member near the strike face. Control club head 1 and control club head 3 were each devoid of separately attached weights.

[0119] The increased body dimensions and heavy weight member increased MOI of the exemplary club head over the control club heads, as displayed below. The control club heads had smaller club head volumes and dimensions and forward CG positions, both of which prioritize ground performance over tee performance. Although the exemplary club head is larger, it retains a relatively low CG position improving ground performance over both prior-art drivers and prior art club heads of similar size. The body dimensions and mass properties of the control and exemplary club heads are presented below in Table 2.TABLE 2ExemplaryControlControlControlClubClubClub 1Club 2Club 3Volume (cm3)370301300276Body Depth (in)4.374.124.123.99Body Width (in)4.784.484.464.32Body Height (in)2.062.011.972.01HB / WB Ratio0.430.450.440.47HB / DB Ratio0.470.490.480.50CGY (in)−0.31−0.32−0.26−0.18CG Ground Plane0.750.640.670.73Height (in)CGZ (in)1.671.361.421.18IXX [g*cm2]3419238426461610IYY [g*cm2]4806352639673100CG Projection (in)0.0686−0.04520.02970.0596IYY [g*cm2] / CGZ (in)2879259528002619

[0120] Table 2 shows that the exemplary club head had an increased club head volume between 13.3% and 18.5% greater than those of the control club heads. Regarding body dimensions, the body depth was 3.9% to 6.1% greater than the control club heads, the body width was 4.2% to 6.6% greater than the control club heads, and the body height was 1.4% to 2.9% greater than the control club heads. The exemplary club head also exhibited reduced HB / WB and HB / DB ratios compared to the control club heads. Although the exemplary club head was larger overall, these reduced body height ratios translate to a flatter club head shape which lowers CG and helps improve ground performance.

[0121] The heavy backweight of the exemplary club significantly increased CG depth (i.e., CGz). The CGz of the exemplary club head was 10.6% to 21.5% greater than those of the control club heads. The further rearward CG position, larger club head volume, and larger body dimensions significantly increased the exemplary club head MOI over the control club heads. Specifically, the exemplary club head IXX was 16.3% to 42.8% greater than the control club heads and the exemplary club head Iyy was 12.4% to 26.8% greater than the control club heads.

[0122] The exemplary club head also had a significantly lower CG height relative to face center (CGY) than control club heads 2 and 3, and a similar CGY to control club head 1. Further, the CG ground plane height of the exemplary club head was within approximately 10% of that of each control club head. Further, the exemplary club head also had a similar CG projection as the control club head that was within 0.113 inches of the control club heads.

[0123] The exemplary club head also had an increase of the Iyy to CGz ratio between 2.8% and 10.9% greater than those of the control club heads. The exemplary club head had a higher Iyy and a greater CGz that resulted in a higher ratio. Accordingly, the exemplary club head provides a more forgiving club head with a greater launch angle which benefits off ground shots.

[0124] As discussed above, the control club heads were designed to prioritize ground performance over tee performance and thus prioritized low and forward CG positions over MOI. As exhibited above, the exemplary club head had much higher MOI than the control club heads yet retained a low CG height. The exemplary club head balances ground and tee performance by increasing forgiveness off the tee yet still having a low CG position to enable players to easily hit shots off the ground.III. Example 3: Tee Performance of Exemplary Club Head vs. Conventional Fairway Wood-Type Club Head

[0125] A player test was conducted to evaluate off-the-tee performance of an exemplary club head, according to aspects of the present disclosure, in comparison to a fairway wood-type club head. The player test utilized 18 players in which each player hit ten shots with each club, alternating after five shots. Ball speed, launch angle, total distance, and stat area were recorded for every shot, averaged across all players, and illustrated in Table 3 below. Both the exemplary club head and the control club head were hit off of a tee, simulating a tee shot, to compare off-the-tee performance.

[0126] The control club head was a fairway wood-type club head (3-wood) having a loft of 13.5 degrees, a mass of 219 grams, a combined MOI of 3300 g*cm2, and a volume of 190 cc. The exemplary club head was similar to the club head of FIGS. 1-16, in which the exemplary club head comprised a loft of 13.5 degree, a volume of 370 cc, a mass of 219 grams, and a combined MOI of 8240 g*cm2.TABLE 3BallLaunchCarryStatSpeedAngledistanceAreaExemplary Club Head158.1 mph12.3261.9 yrds1800 yrds2Control Club Head156.3 mph11.7254.7 yrds2178 yrds2

[0127] As shown in Table 3 above, the exemplary club head exhibited an increase in ball speed of 1.8 mph, an increase in launch angle of 0.6 degrees, an increase in total distance of 7.2 yards, and a decrease in stat area of 378 yrds2 over the control club head. Overall, the exemplary club head performed better off-the-tee than the control club head as indicated by a decrease of 17.3% in stat area and a 7.2 yard increase in carry distance. The exemplary club head combined MOI of 8240 g*cm2 resulted in the exemplary club having a decreased stat area. Accordingly, the exemplary club head is a better club for tee shots where the distance of the 3-wood is needed by providing the forgiveness of a driver type club head. These improvements to performance can be attributed to the overall dimensions and mass properties of the club head such as body height, body width, body depth, and a heavy (>20 grams) rear weight that increases the MOI.IV. Example 4: Ground Performance of Exemplary Club Head vs. Conventional Fairway Wood-Type Club Head

[0128] A player test was conducted to evaluate off-the-ground performance of an exemplary club head of Example 3, according to aspects of the present disclosure, in comparison to a fairway wood-type club head. The player test utilized 18 players in which each player hit ten shots with each club, alternating after five shots. Ball speed, launch angle, total distance, and stat area were recorded for every shot, averaged across all players, and illustrated in Table 4 below. Both the exemplary club head and the control club head were hit off the ground to simulate a shot hit off of the fairway, such as a second shot on a par 5.

[0129] The control club head was a fairway wood-type club head (3-wood) having a loft of 13.5 degrees, a mass of 219 grams, a combined MOI of 3300 g*cm2, and a volume of 190 cc. The exemplary club head was similar to the club head of FIGS. 1-16, in which the exemplary club head comprised a 13.5 degree loft, a volume of 370 cc, a mass of 219 grams, and a combined MOI of 8240 g*cm2.TABLE 4Ball SpeedCarry distanceStat AreaExemplary Club Head162.0 mph255.7 yrds2451 yrds2Control Club Head161.2 mph259.3 yrds2895 yrds2

[0130] As shown in Table 4 above, the exemplary club head exhibited an increase in ball speed of 1.8 mph, similar carry yardage, and a decrease in stat area of 444 yrds2 over the control club head. Overall, the exemplary club head performed better off of the ground than the control club head as indicated by a decrease of 15.3% Accordingly, the exemplary club head is a better club for approach shots off of the ground where a 3-wood would normally be used. The exemplary club head leading edge and sole shaping allows the club to be hit easily off the ground.

[0131] Combining the results of Example 2 and Example 3, the exemplary club head has better off the tee performance than a fairway wood type club head while having similar or even better off the ground performance regarding stat area over the fairway wood type club head. Accordingly, the exemplary club head has a high MOI and increased forgiveness resulting in a tighter stat area off of the tee, while maintaining and improving off the ground performance compared to a fairway wood type club head.V. Example 5: Tee Performance of Exemplary Club Head vs. Conventional Club Heads

[0132] A player test was conducted to evaluate off-the-tee performance of an exemplary club head, according to aspects of the present disclosure, to similar control club heads in the same category as the exemplary club head. The player test utilized 18 players in which each player hit ten shots with each club, alternating after five shots. Ball speed and stat area were recorded for every shot, averaged across all players, and illustrated in Table 5 below. All clubs were hit off of a tee to simulate a tee shot.

[0133] The control club heads were categorically equivalent to the exemplary club head, which fills the gap between the 3-wood and the driver to improve off the tee performance. There were two control club heads, each having slightly different sizes and dimensions. Control club head 1 had a volume of 340 cc, and control club head 2 had a volume of 300 cc. The exemplary club head had a volume of 370 cc.TABLE 5Ball SpeedLaunch AngleStat AreaExemplary Club Head159.7 mph10.61719 yrds2Control Club Head 1159.7 mph10.52742 yrds2Control Club Head 2159.9 mph10.62914 yrds2

[0134] As illustrated in Table 5 above, the exemplary club head had a better stat area compared to the control club heads, indicating that the exemplary club head is more forgiving, leading to more accurate shots. The exemplary club head achieved the significantly smaller stat area by having a high combined MOI of 8240 g*cm2. Furthermore, the exemplary club head had similar ball speed and launch angle to the control club heads, indicating the exemplary club head is able to achieve the same carry distances and launch profile as other categorically equivalent club heads, while having at least a 37% decrease in stat area. These improvements to performance can be attributed to the overall dimensions and mass properties of the club head such as body height, body width, body depth, and a heavy (>20 grams) rear weight that increases the MOI.CLAUSES

[0135] Clause 1: A golf club head comprising: a body defining a substantially enclosed hollow interior cavity and comprising a front, a rear opposite the front, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a crown near an upper portion of the golf club head, a sole near a lower portion of the golf club head, and a strikeface proximate the front; the strikeface comprising: a strikeface perimeter, a face center, an upper edge, a leading edge, and a loft plane; wherein the leading edge is defined as a most soleward portion of the strikeface perimeter; a face center height, measured perpendicular to a ground plane between the face center and the ground plane between 0.80 inch and 1.20 inches; a face center width measured parallel to the ground plane from a heel-side edge of the strikeface to a toe-side edge of the strikeface at a height equal to the face center height; the sole comprising: a slit formed in a forward region of the sole and extending through the body to fluidly communicate with the interior cavity; wherein the slit further comprises a slit heel end proximate the heel, a slit toe end proximate the toe, a slit central portion between the slit heel end and slit toe end, a slit forward edge proximate the strikeface and a slit rearward edge spaced rearward of the slit forward edge; wherein the slit is formed between the slit forward edge and the slit rearward edge; wherein a slit offset distance, defined as a front-to-back distance between the leading edge and the slit forward edge, is between 0.050 inch and 0.250 inch; a sole insert disposed in the slit; the body comprising: a central insert which continuously wraps around the crown, skirt, and sole; wherein the central insert is formed of a lightweight composite material; a frame forming part of the crown, skirt, sole, and skirt and comprising a central opening intended to receive the central insert located between a forward frame and reward frame; wherein the frame is formed of a metallic material; a volume between 330 cm3 and 400 cm3; a body depth, measured from the leading edge to a reward most point of the body greater than 4.5 inches; a body height, defined as a vertical distance between the ground plane and a highest point of the crown, less than 2.2 inches; a leading edge transition, between the sole and the leading edge, comprising: a leading edge transition radius between 0.2 inch and 0.3 inch; a heel-toe shaping ratio, defined as the ratio between the face center height to the face center width, between 0.275 and 0.300; a CG projection point, which is a perpendicular projection of a club head center of gravity onto the loft plane; wherein the CG projection point comprises a CG projection height measured as a distance between the CG projection point and the ground plane measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane; a ground impact point, located at an intersection of the strikeface and a YZ plane at a ground impact height is 0.65 inch from the ground plane; a CG projection ratio, defined as a difference between the CG projection point and the ground impact height, divided by a difference between the face center height and the ground impact height between 0.40 and 0.60; an adjustable weighting system comprising a weight member located proximate the sole and rear and moveable between a plurality of discrete positions; wherein the weight member comprises a mass greater than 25 grams; wherein the weight member comprises between 15% and 50% of a total club head mass; wherein the weight member defines a weight member center of gravity depth, measured from the face center to a weight member center of gravity in a direction parallel to the ground plane, greater than 90% of the body depth.

[0136] Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the sole insert is compression molded.

[0137] Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1, further comprising: a Z′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a front-to-back direction; an X′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a heel-to-toe direction; a Y′-axis extending orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and X′-axis in a crown-to-sole direction; an IXX corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the X′-axis; an Iyy corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the Y′-axis; and a combined MOI, defined as a sum of the IXX and Iyy, is greater than 8000 g*cm2.

[0138] Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 3, further comprising a CG height measured, as a distance between the club head center of gravity and the face center along the Y′-axis, less than −0.30 inch.

[0139] Clause 5: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the slit offset distance is between 0.100 inch and 0.150 inch.

[0140] Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 5, further comprising: a Z′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a front-to-back direction; an X′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a heel-to-toe direction; a Y′-axis extending orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and X′-axis in a crown-to-sole direction; an Ixx corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the X′-axis; an Iyy corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the Y′-axis; and a combined MOI, defined as a sum of the Ixx and Iyy, greater than 8000 g*cm2.

[0141] Clause 7: A golf club head, comprising: a body defining a substantially enclosed interior cavity and comprising a front, a rear opposite the front, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a hosel proximate the heel, a crown near an upper portion of the golf club head, a sole near a lower portion of the golf club head, and a strikeface proximate the front; the strikeface comprising: a strikeface perimeter, a face center, an upper edge, a leading edge, and a loft plane; wherein the leading edge is defined as a most soleward portion of the strikeface perimeter; a face center height, measured perpendicular to a ground plane between face center and the ground plane, between 0.80 inch and 1.20 inches; a face center width, measured parallel to the ground plane from a heel-side edge of the strikeface to a toe-side edge of the strikeface at a height equal to the face center height; the sole comprising: a slit formed in a forward region of the sole and extending through the body to fluidly communicate with the interior cavity; wherein the slit further comprises a slit heel end proximate the heel, a slit toe end proximate the toe, a slit central portion between the slit heel end and slit toe end, a slit forward edge proximate the strikeface and a slit rearward edge spaced rearward of the slit forward edge; wherein the slit is bounded by the slit forward edge and the slit rearward edge; a slit offset distance, defined as a front-to-back distance between the leading edge and the slit forward edge, between 0.050 inch and 0.250 inch; a sole insert disposed in the slit; the body comprising: a volume between 330 cm3 and 400 cm3; a body depth, measured from the leading edge to a reward most point of the body, greater than 4.5 inches; a body height, defined as a vertical distance between the ground plane and a highest point of the crown, less than 2.2 inches; a leading edge transition between the sole and the leading edge comprising: a leading edge transition radius which is between 0.2 inch and 0.3 inch; a heel-toe shaping ratio, defined as the ratio between the face center height to the face center width, between 0.275 and 0.300; a CG projection point, which is a perpendicular projection of a club head center of gravity onto the loft plane; wherein the CG projection point comprises a CG projection height, measured as a distance between the CG projection point and the ground plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane; a ground impact point located at an intersection of the strikeface and a YZ plane at a ground impact height 0.65 inch from the ground plane; a CG projection ratio, defined as a difference between the CG projection point and the ground impact height, divided by a difference between the face center height and the ground impact height, between 0.40 and 0.60; a lightweight shaft receiving structure, comprising: a shaft sleeve configured to receive a golf club shaft; wherein the shaft sleeve has complementary geometry to the hosel and can be removed and rotated into a plurality of different configurations; wherein at least a portion of the shaft sleeve is exposed to the interior cavity; a fastener received by an opening in the sole to secure the shaft sleeve to golf club head; an adjustable weighting system comprising a weight member located proximate the sole and rear and moveable between a plurality of discrete positions; wherein the weight member comprises a mass greater than 25 grams; wherein the weight member comprises between 15% and 50% of a total club head mass; wherein the weight member defines a weight member center of gravity depth measured from the face center to a weight member center of gravity in a direction parallel to the ground plane; and wherein the weight member center of gravity depth is greater than 90% of the body.

[0142] Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 7, wherein the body comprises a sole insert formed of a lightweight composite material; and a metallic frame forming part of the crown, sole, and skirt, and a frame opening sized to receive the sole insert.

[0143] Clause 9: The golf club head of clause 7, further comprising: a Z′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a front-to-back direction; an X′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a heel-to-toe direction; a Y′-axis extending orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and X′-axis in a crown-to-sole direction; an Ixx corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the X′-axis; an Iyy corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the Y′-axis; and a combined MOI, defined as a sum of the Ixx and Iyy, greater than 8000 g*cm2.

[0144] Clause 10: The golf club head of clause 9, further comprising a CG height, measured as the distance between the club head center of gravity and the face center along the Y′-axis, less than −0.30 inch.

[0145] Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 7, wherein: the lightweight shaft receiving structure comprises an upper end, for retaining the shaft sleeve, and a lower end.

[0146] Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 7, comprising a slit offset distance, defined as the distance between the slit forward edge and the leading edge in a front-to-back direction, between 0.175 inch and 0.225 inch.

[0147] Clause 13: A golf club head, comprising: a body defining a substantially enclosed interior cavity and comprising a front, a rear opposite the front, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a hosel proximate the heel, a crown near an upper portion of the golf club head, a sole near a lower portion of the golf club head, and a strikeface proximate the front; the strikeface comprising: a strikeface perimeter, a face center, an upper edge, a leading edge, and a loft plane; wherein the leading edge is defined as a most soleward portion of the strikeface perimeter; a face center height, measured perpendicular to a ground plane between a face center and the ground plane; a face center width, measured parallel to the ground plane from a heel-side edge of the strikeface to a toe-side edge of the strikeface at a height equal to the face center height; the sole comprising: a slit formed in a forward region of the sole and extending through the body to fluidly communicate with the interior cavity; wherein the slit further comprises a slit heel end proximate the heel, a slit toe end proximate the toe, a slit central portion between the slit heel end and slit toe end, a slit forward edge proximate the strikeface and a slit rearward edge spaced rearward of the slit forward edge; wherein the slit is bounded by the slit forward edge and the slit rearward edge; wherein a slit offset distance is defined as a front-to-back distance between the leading edge and the slit forward edge; a sole insert disposed in the slit; the body comprising: a volume between 330 cm3 and 400 cm3; a leading edge transition between the sole and the leading edge;

[0148] a CG projection point, which is a perpendicular projection of a club head center of gravity onto the loft plane; wherein the CG projection point comprises a CG projection height, measured as the distance between the CG projection point and the ground plane in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane; a ground impact point located at an intersection of the strikeface and a YZ plane at a ground impact height which is 0.65 inch from the ground plane; an adjustable weighting system comprising a weight member located proximate the sole and rear and moveable between a plurality of discrete positions; wherein the weight member comprises a mass greater than 25 grams; wherein the weight member comprises between 15% and 50% of a total club head mass; wherein the weight member defines a weight member center of gravity depth measured from the face center to a weight member center of gravity in a direction parallel to the ground plane; and wherein the weight member center of gravity depth is greater than 90% of the body.

[0149] Clause 14: The golf club head of claim 13, further comprising: a Z′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a front-to-back direction; an X′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a heel-to-toe direction; a Y′-axis extending orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and X′-axis in a crown-to-sole direction; an Ixx corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the X′-axis; an Iyy corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the Y′-axis; and a combined MOI, defined as a sum of the Ixx and Iyy, greater than 8000 g*cm2.

[0150] Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 13, wherein the body further comprises: a body depth, measured from the leading edge to a reward most point of the body, greater than 4.5 inches; and a body height, defined as a vertical distance between the ground plane and a highest point of the crown, less than 2.2 inches.

[0151] Clause 16: The golf club head of clause 13, wherein the leading edge transition comprises: a leading edge transition radius between 0.2 inch and 0.3 inch; and a heel-toe shaping ratio, defined as a ratio between the face center height to the face center width, between 0.275 and 0.300.

[0152] Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 13, further comprising a CG projection ratio, defined as a difference between the CG projection point and the ground impact height, divided by a difference between the face center height and the ground impact height, between 0.40 and 0.60.

[0153] Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 13, wherein the slit offset distance is between 0.050 inch and 0.250 inch.

[0154] Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 13, wherein the slit comprises one or more relief portions angled away from the strikeface.

[0155] Clause 20: The golf club head of clause 13, wherein the strikeface comprises a face thickness between 0.068 inch and 0.076 inch.

[0156] Clause 21: A golf club head, comprising: a body defining a substantially enclosed interior cavity and comprising a front, a rear opposite the front, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a hosel proximate the heel, a crown near an upper portion of the golf club head, a sole near a lower portion of the golf club head, and a strikeface proximate the front; the strikeface comprising: a strikeface perimeter, a face center, an upper edge, a leading edge, and a loft plane; wherein the leading edge is defined as a most soleward portion of the strikeface perimeter; a face center height, measured perpendicular to a ground plane between face center and the ground plane, between 0.80 inch and 1.20 inches; a face center width, measured parallel to the ground plane from a heel-side edge of the strikeface to a toe-side edge of the strikeface at a height equal to the face center height; the sole comprising: a slit formed in a forward region of the sole and extending through the body to fluidly communicate with the interior cavity; wherein the slit further comprises a slit heel end proximate the heel, a slit toe end proximate the toe, a slit central portion between the slit heel end and slit toe end, a slit forward edge proximate the strikeface and a slit rearward edge spaced rearward of the slit forward edge; wherein the slit is bounded by the slit forward edge and the slit rearward edge; a slit offset distance, defined as a front-to-back distance between the leading edge and the slit forward edge, between 0.050 inch and 0.250 inch; a sole insert disposed in the slit; the body comprising: a volume between 330 cm3 and 400 cm3; a body depth, measured from the leading edge to a reward most point of the body, greater than 4.5 inches; a CG projection point, which is a perpendicular projection of a club head center of gravity onto the loft plane; wherein the CG projection point comprises a CG projection height, measured as a distance between the CG projection point and the ground plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane; a ground impact point located at an intersection of the strikeface and a YZ plane at a ground impact height 0.65 inch from the ground plane; a CG projection ratio, defined as a difference between the CG projection point and the ground impact height, divided by a difference between the face center height and the ground impact height, between 0.40 and 0.60; a lightweight shaft receiving structure, comprising: a shaft sleeve configured to receive a golf club shaft; wherein the shaft sleeve has complementary geometry to the hosel and can be removed and rotated into a plurality of different configurations; wherein at least a portion of the shaft sleeve is exposed to the interior cavity; a fastener received by an opening in the sole to secure the shaft sleeve to golf club head; an adjustable weighting system comprising a weight member located proximate the sole and rear and moveable between a plurality of discrete positions; wherein the weight member comprises a mass greater than 25 grams.

[0157] Clause 22: A golf club head, comprising: a body defining a substantially enclosed interior cavity and comprising a front, a rear opposite the front, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a hosel proximate the heel, a crown near an upper portion of the golf club head, a sole near a lower portion of the golf club head, and a strikeface proximate the front; the strikeface comprising: a strikeface perimeter, a face center, an upper edge, a leading edge, and a loft plane; wherein the leading edge is defined as a most soleward portion of the strikeface perimeter; a face center height, measured perpendicular to a ground plane between face center and the ground plane, between 0.80 inch and 1.20 inches; a face center width, measured parallel to the ground plane from a heel-side edge of the strikeface to a toe-side edge of the strikeface at a height equal to the face center height; the sole comprising: a slit formed in a forward region of the sole and extending through the body to fluidly communicate with the interior cavity; wherein the slit further comprises a slit heel end proximate the heel, a slit toe end proximate the toe, a slit central portion between the slit heel end and slit toe end, a slit forward edge proximate the strikeface and a slit rearward edge spaced rearward of the slit forward edge; wherein the slit is bounded by the slit forward edge and the slit rearward edge; a CG projection point, which is a perpendicular projection of a club head center of gravity onto the loft plane; wherein the CG projection point comprises a CG projection height, measured as a distance between the CG projection point and the ground plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane; a ground impact point located at an intersection of the strikeface and a YZ plane at a ground impact height 0.65 inch from the ground plane; a CG projection ratio, defined as a difference between the CG projection point and the ground impact height, divided by a difference between the face center height and the ground impact height, between 0.40 and 0.60; a lightweight shaft receiving structure, comprising: a shaft sleeve configured to receive a golf club shaft; wherein the shaft sleeve has complementary geometry to the hosel and can be removed and rotated into a plurality of different configurations; wherein at least a portion of the shaft sleeve is exposed to the interior cavity; a fastener received by an opening in the sole to secure the shaft sleeve to golf club head; an adjustable weighting system comprising a weight member located proximate the sole and rear and moveable between a plurality of discrete positions; wherein the weight member comprises a mass greater than 25 grams; wherein the weight member comprises between 15% and 50% of a total club head mass; wherein the weight member defines a weight member center of gravity depth measured from the face center to a weight member center of gravity in a direction parallel to the ground plane; and wherein the weight member center of gravity depth is greater than 90% of the body.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:a body defining a substantially enclosed hollow interior cavity and comprising a front,a rear opposite the front, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a crown near an upper portion of the golf club head, a sole near a lower portion of the golf club head, and a strikeface proximate the front;the strikeface comprising:a strikeface perimeter, a face center, an upper edge, a leading edge, and a loft plane;wherein the leading edge is defined as a most soleward portion of the strikeface perimeter;a face center height, measured perpendicular to a ground plane between the face center and the ground plane between 0.80 inch and 1.20 inches;a face center width measured parallel to the ground plane from a heel-side edge of the strikeface to a toe-side edge of the strikeface at a height equal to the face center height;the sole comprising:a slit formed in a forward region of the sole and extending through the body to fluidly communicate with the interior cavity;wherein the slit further comprises a slit heel end proximate the heel, a slit toe end proximate the toe, a slit central portion between the slit heel end and slit toe end, a slit forward edge proximate the strikeface and a slit rearward edge spaced rearward of the slit forward edge;wherein the slit is formed between the slit forward edge and the slit rearward edge;wherein a slit offset distance, defined as a front-to-back distance between the leading edge and the slit forward edge, is between 0.050 inch and 0.250 inch;a sole insert disposed in the slit;the body comprising:a central insert which continuously wraps around the crown, skirt, and sole; wherein the central insert is formed of a lightweight composite material;a frame forming part of the crown, skirt, sole, and skirt and comprising a central opening intended to receive the central insert located between a forward frame and reward frame;wherein the frame is formed of a metallic material;a volume between 330 cm3 and 400 cm3;a body depth, measured from the leading edge to a reward most point of the body greater than 4.5 inches;a body height, defined as a vertical distance between the ground plane and a highest point of the crown, less than 2.2 inches;a leading edge transition, between the sole and the leading edge, comprising:a leading edge transition radius between 0.2 inch and 0.3 inch;a heel-toe shaping ratio, defined as the ratio between the face center height to the face center width, between 0.275 and 0.300;a CG projection point, which is a perpendicular projection of a club head center of gravity onto the loft plane;wherein the CG projection point comprises a CG projection height measured as a distance between the CG projection point and the ground plane measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane;a ground impact point, located at an intersection of the strikeface and a YZ plane at a ground impact height is 0.65 inch from the ground plane;a CG projection ratio, defined as a difference between the CG projection point and the ground impact height, divided by a difference between the face center height and the ground impact height between 0.40 and 0.60;an adjustable weighting system comprising a weight member located proximate the sole and rear and moveable between a plurality of discrete positions;wherein the weight member comprises a mass greater than 25 grams;wherein the weight member comprises between 15% and 50% of a total club head mass;wherein the weight member defines a weight member center of gravity depth, measured from the face center to a weight member center of gravity in a direction parallel to the ground plane, greater than 90% of the body depth.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sole insert is compression molded.

3. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising:a Z′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a front-to-back direction;an X′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a heel-to-toe direction;a Y′-axis extending orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and X′-axis in a crown-to-sole direction;an Ixx corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the X′-axis;an Iyy corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the Y′-axis; anda combined MOI, defined as a sum of the Ixx and Iyy, is greater than 8000 g*cm2.

4. The golf club head of claim 3, further comprising a CG height measured, as a distance between the club head center of gravity and the face center along the Y′-axis, less than −0.30 inch.

5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the slit offset distance is between 0.100 inch and 0.150 inch.

6. The golf club head of claim 5, further comprising:a Z′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a front-to-back direction;an X′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a heel-to-toe direction;a Y′-axis extending orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and X′-axis in a crown-to-sole direction;an Ixx corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the X′-axis;an Iyy corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the Y′-axis; anda combined MOI, defined as a sum of the Ixx and Iyy, greater than 8000 g*cm2.

7. A golf club head, comprising:a body defining a substantially enclosed interior cavity and comprising a front, a rear opposite the front, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a hosel proximate the heel, a crown near an upper portion of the golf club head, a sole near a lower portion of the golf club head, and a strikeface proximate the front;the strikeface comprising:a strikeface perimeter, a face center, an upper edge, a leading edge, and a loft plane;wherein the leading edge is defined as a most soleward portion of the strikeface perimeter;a face center height, measured perpendicular to a ground plane between face center and the ground plane, between 0.80 inch and 1.20 inches;a face center width, measured parallel to the ground plane from a heel-side edge of the strikeface to a toe-side edge of the strikeface at a height equal to the face center height;the sole comprising:a slit formed in a forward region of the sole and extending through the body to fluidly communicate with the interior cavity;wherein the slit further comprises a slit heel end proximate the heel, a slit toe end proximate the toe, a slit central portion between the slit heel end and slit toe end, a slit forward edge proximate the strikeface and a slit rearward edge spaced rearward of the slit forward edge;wherein the slit is bounded by the slit forward edge and the slit rearward edge;a slit offset distance, defined as a front-to-back distance between the leading edge and the slit forward edge, between 0.050 inch and 0.250 inch;a sole insert disposed in the slit;the body comprising:a volume between 330 cm3 and 400 cm3;a body depth, measured from the leading edge to a reward most point of the body, greater than 4.5 inches;a body height, defined as a vertical distance between the ground plane and a highest point of the crown, less than 2.2 inches;a leading edge transition between the sole and the leading edge comprising:a leading edge transition radius which is between 0.2 inch and 0.3 inch;a heel-toe shaping ratio, defined as the ratio between the face center height to the face center width, between 0.275 and 0.300;a CG projection point, which is a perpendicular projection of a club head center of gravity onto the loft plane;wherein the CG projection point comprises a CG projection height, measured as a distance between the CG projection point and the ground plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane;a ground impact point located at an intersection of the strikeface and a YZ plane at a ground impact height 0.65 inch from the ground plane;a CG projection ratio, defined as a difference between the CG projection point and the ground impact height, divided by a difference between the face center height and the ground impact height, between 0.40 and 0.60;a lightweight shaft receiving structure, comprising:a shaft sleeve configured to receive a golf club shaft;wherein the shaft sleeve has complementary geometry to the hosel and can be removed and rotated into a plurality of different configurations;wherein at least a portion of the shaft sleeve is exposed to the interior cavity;a fastener received by an opening in the sole to secure the shaft sleeve to golf club head;an adjustable weighting system comprising a weight member located proximate the sole and rear and moveable between a plurality of discrete positions;wherein the weight member comprises a mass greater than 25 grams;wherein the weight member comprises between 15% and 50% of a total club head mass;wherein the weight member defines a weight member center of gravity depth measured from the face center to a weight member center of gravity in a direction parallel to the ground plane; andwherein the weight member center of gravity depth is greater than 90% of the body.

8. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein the body comprises a sole insert formed of a lightweight composite material; anda metallic frame forming part of the crown, sole, and skirt, and a frame opening sized to receive the sole insert.

9. The golf club head of claim 7, further comprising:a Z′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a front-to-back direction;an X′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a heel-to-toe direction;a Y′-axis extending orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and X′-axis in a crown-to-sole direction;an Ixx corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the X′-axis;an Iyy corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the Y′-axis; anda combined MOI, defined as a sum of the Ixx and Iyy, greater than 8000 g*cm2.

10. The golf club head of claim 9, further comprising a CG height, measured as the distance between the club head center of gravity and the face center along the Y′-axis, less than −0.30 inch.

11. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein: the lightweight shaft receiving structure comprises an upper end, for retaining the shaft sleeve, and a lower end.

12. The golf club head of claim 7, comprising a slit offset distance, defined as the distance between the slit forward edge and the leading edge in a front-to-back direction, between 0.175 inch and 0.225 inch.

13. A golf club head, comprising:a body defining a substantially enclosed interior cavity and comprising a front, a rear opposite the front, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a hosel proximate the heel, a crown near an upper portion of the golf club head, a sole near a lower portion of the golf club head, and a strikeface proximate the front;the strikeface comprising:a strikeface perimeter, a face center, an upper edge, a leading edge, and a loft plane;wherein the leading edge is defined as a most soleward portion of the strikeface perimeter;a face center height, measured perpendicular to a ground plane between a face center and the ground plane;a face center width, measured parallel to the ground plane from a heel-side edge of the strikeface to a toe-side edge of the strikeface at a height equal to the face center height;the sole comprising:a slit formed in a forward region of the sole and extending through the body to fluidly communicate with the interior cavity;wherein the slit further comprises a slit heel end proximate the heel, a slit toe end proximate the toe, a slit central portion between the slit heel end and slit toe end, a slit forward edge proximate the strikeface and a slit rearward edge spaced rearward of the slit forward edge;wherein the slit is bounded by the slit forward edge and the slit rearward edge;wherein a slit offset distance is defined as a front-to-back distance between the leading edge and the slit forward edge;a sole insert disposed in the slit;the body comprising:a volume between 330 cm3 and 400 cm3;a leading edge transition between the sole and the leading edge;a CG projection point, which is a perpendicular projection of a club head center of gravity onto the loft plane;wherein the CG projection point comprises a CG projection height, measured as the distance between the CG projection point and the ground plane in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane;a ground impact point located at an intersection of the strikeface and a YZ plane at a ground impact height which is 0.65 inch from the ground plane;an adjustable weighting system comprising a weight member located proximate the sole and rear and moveable between a plurality of discrete positions;wherein the weight member comprises a mass greater than 25 grams;wherein the weight member comprises between 15% and 50% of a total club head mass;wherein the weight member defines a weight member center of gravity depth measured from the face center to a weight member center of gravity in a direction parallel to the ground plane; andwherein the weight member center of gravity depth is greater than 90% of the body.

14. The golf club head of claim 13, further comprising:a Z′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a front-to-back direction;an X′-axis extending parallel to the ground plane through the club head center of gravity in a heel-to-toe direction;a Y′-axis extending orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and X′-axis in a crown-to-sole direction;an Ixx corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the X′-axis;an Iyy corresponding to a moment of inertia of the golf club head taken about the Y′-axis; anda combined MOI, defined as a sum of the Ixx and Iyy, greater than 8000 g*cm2.

15. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the body further comprises:a body depth, measured from the leading edge to a reward most point of the body, greater than 4.5 inches; anda body height, defined as a vertical distance between the ground plane and a highest point of the crown, less than 2.2 inches.

16. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the leading edge transition comprises:a leading edge transition radius between 0.2 inch and 0.3 inch; anda heel-toe shaping ratio, defined as a ratio between the face center height to the face center width, between 0.275 and 0.300.

17. The golf club head of claim 13, further comprising a CG projection ratio, defined as a difference between the CG projection point and the ground impact height, divided by a difference between the face center height and the ground impact height, between 0.40 and 0.60.

18. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the slit offset distance is between 0.050 inch and 0.250 inch.

19. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the slit comprises one or more relief portions angled away from the strikeface.

20. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the strikeface comprises a face thickness between 0.068 inch and 0.076 inch.

Images