GOLF CLUB

Abstract

An iron-type golf club head (31) which has a front ball striking surface (33) with a face positioned between a heel (35) which is connected to the neck and a toe which is at the free end of the ball striking surface, an opposing rear surface, a leading edge at the lower end of the ball striking surface, a top edge at the upper end of the ball striking surface and a sole located at the bottom of the club head which extends rearwards from the ball striking surface to the opposing rear surface. The golf club head may have various features which lessen the weight of the club in comparison with standard golf clubs and which make them easier to use for junior golfers and those who lack or have lost strength in their hands and arms. These include constructing the club head from a lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy or other material of a suitable density creating an accentuated curve at the leading edge and sole of the club and making a weighted insert which forms the club face and is fitted into a recessed area formed on the remainder of the golf club head.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel golf club design which is particularly suitable for use by junior players such as those in the age group around 4 to 11 and ladies. In addition, the present invention may be used by golfers whose physical condition prevents or impedes them from properly controlling their golf swing with standard golf clubs.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The game of golf is extremely popular across the world and is played by people of all ages and abilities. As with many sports, there is a benefit to the player if they learn how to play at an early age when a child's enthusiasm, ability to learn and physical development make it a better time to learn how to swing a golf club rather than when a person is an adult.

[0003] However, there has been a decline in the number of children participating in golf which may in part be due to the many number of alternative activities which are available to children. In addition, other sports such as rugby, tennis and soccer have recognized that certain aspects of their sports are very difficult to master for younger children who may lack some coordination and strength. For example the Rugby Football Union (RFU) uses the name "Mini Rugby" for age graded rugby union for children under the age of 13 where three distinct sets of rules are applied dependent upon the agegroup. These are:

[0004] Stage 1: under-7 and under-8 which is called Mini Tag Rugby;

[0005] Stage 2: under-9 and under-10 which is called Mini Rugby; and

[0006] Stage 3: under-11 and under-12 which is called Midi Rugby.

[0007] The main differences relate to the size of the pitch, number of players in a team, the way in which points are scored and the amount of physical contact allowed between players in opposing teams.

[0008] At present junior golfers learning to play golf can be provided with golf clubs which differ from full size clubs by having a shorter shaft and/or make the head size slightly smaller. These minor modifications to the club allows the junior player to use clubs which are of an appropriate length and means that very few modifications are required to the manufacturing process for making junior golf clubs and full size golf clubs.

[0009] Golf has a high rate of attrition as youngsters try, and then fall off at key points in the course of development. Early enthusiasm often goes into reverse when children are left to tackle the game unsupervised and they find difficulty making the ball fly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf club with an improved club design which is suitable for use by junior golfers such as those in the age range 3 to 12.

[0011] It is another object of the invention to provide for those who have physical constraints which make it more difficult for them to make a controlled swing of a standard golf club.

[0012] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided an iron-type golf club head comprising:

[0013] a neck which connects the club head to a shaft, in use;

[0014] a front ball striking surface which has a face positioned between a heel which is connected to the neck and a toe which is at the free end of the ball striking surface an opposing rear surface;

[0015] a leading edge at the lower end of the ball striking surface;

[0016] a top edge at the upper end of the ball striking surface; and

[0017] a sole located at the bottom of the club head which extends rearwards from the ball striking surface to the opposing rear surface,

[0018] wherein the club head is constructed from a lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy or other material of a suitable density.

[0019] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided an iron-type golf club head comprising:

[0020] a neck which connects the club head to a shaft, in use;

[0021] a front ball striking surface which has a face positioned between a heel which is connected to the neck and a toe which is at the free end of the ball striking surface an opposing rear surface;

[0022] a leading edge at the lower end of the ball striking surface;

[0023] a top edge at the upper end of the ball striking surface; and a sole located at the bottom of the club head which extends rearwards from the ball striking surface to the opposing rear surface

[0024] wherein, the leading edge and sole of the club are curved along the length of the ball striking surface in a direction upwards towards the ball striking surface.

[0025] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided an iron-type golf club head comprising:

[0026] a neck which connects the club head to a shaft, in use;

[0027] a front ball striking surface which has a face positioned between a heel which is connected to the neck and a toe which is at the free end of the ball striking surface an opposing rear surface;

[0028] a leading edge at the lower end of the ball striking surface;

[0029] a top edge at the upper end of the ball striking surface; and

[0030] a sole located at the bottom of the club head which extends rearwards from the ball striking surface to the opposing rear surface,

[0031] wherein, the front ball striking surface comprises a recessed area into which is fixedly attached a separately formed insert which comprises the face.

[0032] Preferably, the club head is constructed from a lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy or other material of a suitable density.

[0033] Preferably, the alloy has a density of 2 g/cm³ to 3 g/cm³.

[0034] Preferably, the alloy has a density of 2.6 g/cm³ to 2.7 g/cm³.

[0035] Preferably, the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy is an aerospace alloy.

[0036] Preferably, the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy is a hard anodised aluminium alloy

[0037] Alternatively, the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy is a non anodised aluminium alloys.

[0038] Advantageously, the use of the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy allows the head to have the required strength and hardness but allows the club head to be significantly lighter than the typical golf club head known in the art made of steel alloys.

[0039] Advantageously, the use of the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy allows the head to have the required strength and hardness but allows the club head to be significantly larger than the typical golf club head known in the art made of steel alloys.

[0040] Preferably, the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy is less dense than the type of steel allow which is typically used for making golf club heads.

[0041] Preferably, the alloy is ASTM 356X Aluminium Alloy.

[0042] Preferably, the alloy is a LM25 TF Aluminium Alloy.

[0043] Preferably, the alloy is LM6 Aluminium Alloy

[0044] Preferably, the opposing rear surface comprises a cavity back.

[0045] Preferably, the sole of the club is shaped to allow the club to be grounded at an angle up to 60° to the vertical.

[0046] Preferably, the leading edge and sole of the club are curved along the length of the ball striking surface in a direction upwards towards the ball striking surface.

[0047] Preferably, the curve of the leading edge and sole of the club towards the ball striking surface in a direction along the ball striking surface has an average radius of curvature of between 70 and 150.

[0048] Preferably, the sole of the club is curved upwards towards the ball striking surface from the leading edge to the opposing rear face.

[0049] Preferably, the curve of the sole of the club is curved upwards towards the ball striking surface from the leading edge to the opposing rear face varies along the length of the club head from heel to toe.

[0050] Preferably, the club has a volume which is between 15% and 45% greater than that of a standard steel alloy iron type golf club head.

[0051] Preferably, the club has a sweet spot which is between 15% and 45% greater than that of a standard iron type steel alloy golf club head.

[0052] Preferably, the club head density is between 40% and 80% of that of a standard iron type steel alloy golf club head.

[0053] Preferably, the golf club heads are for use in golf clubs designed to coach a person, particularly a young person and/or adult ladies to play golf.

[0054] Preferably, the golf club heads are for use in golf clubs designed to assist those afflicted with physical constraints to play golf.

[0055] Preferably, the front ball striking surface comprises a recessed area into which is fixedly attached a separately formed insert which comprises the face.

[0056] Preferably, the insert can be made of stainless steel, titanium or other similar materials.

[0057] Preferably, the face comprises a plurality of laterally extending substantially parallel grooves which extend across the face of the club into the toe.

[0058] Preferably, the grooves are cast into the club head.

[0059] Optionally, the grooves are machined into the club head.

[0060] Preferably the grooves have a curved cross section.

[0061] Preferably, the grooves are configured in accordance with R&A and/or USGA regulations.

[0062] Preferably, the insert has a thickness of between 2 mm and 8 mm

[0063] Preferably, the insert has a lengths of 60 mm to 90 mm in accordance with the overall club head dimensions

[0064] Preferably, the insert has a heights of 50 to 75 mm through the centre line of the club in accordance with the overall club head size.

[0065] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a progressive set of iron type golf club heads constructed in accordance with the first aspect or second aspect of the present invention.

[0066] Preferably, the progressive set contains at least three of the following golf club heads: a 5 iron; a 6 iron; a 7 iron; an 8 iron; a 9 iron; a wedge and a sand wedge

[0067] Preferably, the progressive set of golf club heads are for use in golf clubs designed to coach a person, particularly a young person and/or ladies to play golf.

[0068] Preferably, the progressive set of golf club heads are for use in golf clubs designed to assist those afflicted with physical constraints to play golf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0070] FIG. 1 is a diagram which shows the general shape and appearance of a known iron type golf club;

[0071] FIG. 2 is a side view of the face of a known type of cavity backed iron type golf club;

[0072] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back and sole of a cavity backed iron type golf club head;

[0073] FIG. 4a is a front view of a cavity backed iron type golf club head in accordance with the present invention and FIG. 4b is a side view along lines B-B of the golf club head of FIG. 4a;

[0074] FIG. 5a is a front view of a cavity backed iron type golf club head in accordance with the present invention and FIGS. 5b to 5e are cross section view along lines B-B C-C, D-D and E-E respectively of the golf club head of FIG. 5a

[0075] FIG. 6 is a rear view of an embodiment of the cavity backed iron type golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

[0076] FIG. 7 is a rear view of another embodiment of the cavity backed iron type golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

[0077] FIG. 8 is a rear view of another embodiment of the cavity backed iron type golf club head in accordance with the present invention;

[0078] FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a golf club which incorporates a golf club; and

[0079] FIG. 10a is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10b is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10a and FIG. 10c shows a similar embodiment where the recess and insert have a tapered edge

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] The present invention provides an improved golf club head which is for use in a golf club. The club head of the present invention will be described in the context of known types of golf clubs and in particular cavity backed golf clubs.

[0081] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a known type of golf club which is of a standard type and appearance. The golf club 1 comprises a shaft 5 upon which is situated a grip 3. The grip 3 is used by the golfer to hold and control the club with both hands during the golf swing. The shaft 5 extends from the grip 3 at the top of the golf club 1 to the club head 7 located at the bottom of the shaft 5. The shaft 5 is connected to the club head 9 by a tubular extension of the club head 9 called the neck or hosel 17.

[0082] FIG. 2 is a front view illustration of a known type of cavity backed iron type golf club head 10. The front view of the golf club head 10 shows the ball striking surface 12 and the hosel 17. The ball striking surface 12 comprises a toe 13 at the free end of the ball striking surface, a heel 15 beside the hosel 17. The club face 9 is situated between the heel 15 and the toe 13 and comprises a series of closely spaced laterally extending grooves 16. The purpose of the grooves 16 is to grip the ball upon impact, to provide better control of the flight of the ball and to create backspin. The grooves are markedly larger than conventional iron heads to reduce side spin, meaning the ball flies straighter

[0083] The grooves 16 also define the area of the club face 9 that should be beside the golf ball when a golfer is addressing the ball before taking a golf shot. In addition, the face 9 defines the area within which the "sweet spot" on the golf club head is found. The sweet spot if the place where the weight distribution and geometry of the golf club head create a position at which the maximum response of a golf ball is achieved for a given amount of effort. The leading edge 18 is at the lower end of the ball striking surface 12 is the point on the club which first contacts the ball or ground below the ball when a golf shot is made. The top edge 20 is at the upper end of the ball striking surface 12.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back and sole of a known type of cavity backed iron-type golf club. FIG. 3 shows the lower portion of a golf club 21 with a shaft 23 and a club head 25 connected to the shaft 23. The club head 25 has a sole 27 which is a substantially flat and linear portion of the club head which should be on the ground when the golfer is addressing the ball. The sole 27 projects rearwards from the leading edge on the front of the golf club head 25 beyond the cavity back 29. The purpose of this design is to create a lower centre of mass and higher moment of inertia, making it easier to hit the golf ball and causing the ball to fly further. In addition, the substantially flat sole 27 is significantly thicker than the cavity back.

[0085] FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings which illustrate a first embodiment of an iron type golf club head in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4a shows a golf club head 31 which comprises a ball striking surface 33 having a heel 35 which is connected to a hosel 37. The golf club head is constructed in an investment casting process (also known as a lost wax process) and/or gravity die cast, low pressure die cast or high pressure die cast, from an aerospace standard aluminium allow such as a hard anodised aluminium alloy. The face 39 is part of the striking surface and contains a number of laterally arranged, vertically spaced grooves 43 which have a curved cross section as shown in FIG. 4B. The grooves extend onto the toe of the club head 31. Accordingly, the area of the ball striking surface 33 which is designed to strike the ball is larger relative to the overall surface area of the ball striking surface than is known in the art, where the toe area should not be used for striking the ball.

[0086] FIG. 4b is a cross section of the golf club head of FIG. 4a at position BB. In this figure, the substantially curved cross section of the grooves 43 is shown. The grooves 43 are vertically spaced and extend down the face 39 of the club from near the top edge 47 to near the leading edge 41. In the cross sectional view, the cavity 53 is defined by a protrusion 54 extending rearwards from the top edge of the ball striking surface and by a similar protrusion 56 which extends rearwards from the leading edge 41 of the ball striking surface.

[0087] The thickness of the club head as defined by the distance between the ball striking surface and the opposing rear surface which contains the protrusions 54, 56 and the cavity back 53, increases uniformly towards the sole 55 of the golf club head to create a wedge shape within the cavity when seen in cross section; he cavity 53, being a recess between protrusions 54 and 56.

[0088] The golf club head is shaped such that weight is distributed to lower the centre of gravity and increase the moment of inertia. In addition, head size and its sweet spot is around 35% larger than that of standard golf clubs for children and is around 35% lighter. A typical set of irons might comprise a 5 iron, 7 iron and a wedge although other combinations such as a 5 iron, 8 iron and a wedge or a 5 iron, 6 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron a wedge and a sand wedge are foreseen depending upon the purchaser and the golfer's requirements.

[0089] FIG. 5a is a front view of the golf club head 31 shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b but which shows the shape of the cavity back (dashed lines) 61. As can be seen, in this example of the present invention, the edge of the cavity back 62 nearer the leading edge 41 follows a smooth curve whereas the edge of the cavity back nearer upper edge 47 has an undulating shape 64. Cross sectional views at points A, B, C and D are shown in FIGS. 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e respectively.

[0090] In the cases of FIGS. 5b to 5d, the uniform wedge shape in cross section, is shown as defined by the shape of the cavity with respect to protrusions 54 and 56. This feature is less apparent in FIG. 5e where the cross section is towards the toe of the club head.

[0091] As can be seen from FIGS. 4A and 5A, the leading edge 41 of the golf club head and the sole contain a substantial degree of curvature in comparison with standard cavity backed iron type golf club heads. The leading edge may have an average radius of curvature of between 70 and 150. The radius of curvature on the sole of the club may be defined at different points along the leading edge and around the club head 31. The values for this example of the present invention are given in the following table.

TABLE-US-00001 FIG. FIG. 5b FIG. 5c FIG. 5d FIG. 5e Position viii 3.2 3.15 3.2 3.31 ix 24.56 24.58 24.87 19.00 x 9.48 9.49 9.46 9.15 xi 14.6 14.51 14.65 14.24 xii 2.26 2.71 3.05 3.64

[0092] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the opposing rear surface of a golf club 81 in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen, in this example of the present invention, the edge of the cavity back 85 nearer the leading edge 83 follows a smooth curve whereas the edge of the cavity back 89 nearer upper edge 87 has an undulating shape.

[0093] FIG. 7 of the present invention shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the edge of the cavity back 95 nearer the leading edge 93 and the edge of the cavity back 99 nearer upper edge 97 follow a smooth curve.

[0094] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention 101 in which the edge of the cavity back nearer the leading edge follows an undulating shape whereas the edge of the cavity back nearer upper edge has a smooth curve 64. Advantageously, the position of the undulations in this example of the present invention provide a finger grip which makes the club head easier to hold, especially when wet.

[0095] FIG. 9 shows a golf club made in accordance with the present invention, the golf club 111 comprising a shaft 113, a grip 115 and a head 117 made in accordance with the present invention.

[0096] By careful selection of the material from which the iron type golf club head is cast, embodiments of the present invention can be over 15% lighter than standard child golf clubs and they can be at least 15% larger. In one example of the present invention head size and its sweet spot is around 35% larger and the head is circa 35% lighter than a standard type. This produces significant advantages to a child and a lady golfer who will find it easier to swing the club in a controlled manner control the club because the head is lighter and to swing the golf club more freely which helps to generate more club head speed and allows for maximum distance on each shot.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the iron type golf club head is cast in an investment casting process from an aerospace aluminium alloy ASTM 356. This is a high grade alloy with excellent to strength to weight ratio, hardness, and corrosion resistance etc. One alternative alloy is LM25 TF Other casting processes such as is casting processes, such as gravity diecast or high pressure die casting can be used.

[0098] In creating sets of clubs made in accordance with the present invention, 3 iron types will be created for 3 to 6 year old (stage 1) golfers namely a 5 iron, 7 iron and a wedge. The same suite of irons for 6 to 9 year old (stage 2) golfers will be created from a zinc/aluminium alloy at circa 15% lighter and 15% larger in head size and sweet spot than "normal" kids clubs.

[0099] The shorter, lighter shafts which may be used allow the child golfer to have better posture and setup over the ball. It also encourages better contact with the ball instead of hitting or digging into the turf. Also, higher or easier lofted woods and irons make it much simpler for the kids to get the ball up into the air while discouraging those worm burner shot s that run along the top of the ground.

[0100] In one example the shaft may comprise a 0.370 inch tip, graphite shaft with a ladies or regular type flex. Several shaft lengths may be used therefore, the butt end of the shaft has to be large enough at the shortest length and big enough at the longest length to fit into the club head.

[0101] FIG. 10a is another embodiment of an iron type golf club head in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 10a shows a golf club head 121 which comprises a ball striking surface 123 having a heel 125 which is connected to a hosel 127 a leading edge 131 and a top edge 137. In this example of the present invention, the golf club head is constructed in two parts. The golf club head 121 is constructed with a recess 128 in an investment casting process (also known as a lost wax process) and/or gravity die cast, low pressure die cast or high pressure die cast, from an aerospace standard aluminium allow such as a hard anodised aluminium alloy.

[0102] The face 129 of the ball striking surface 123 is formed as a separate component from the remainder of the club head 121 and comprises an insert 129 which fits into the recessed section 128 of the ball striking surface so that the face 129 is flush with the ball striking surface of the club in the usual way. In this and other embodiments of the invention, the insert 129 is made from stainless steel, titanium or other suitable material which is harder and of higher density than the remainder of the club head.

[0103] The face contains a number of laterally arranged, vertically spaced grooves 133 which comply equipment standards as set out by Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R and A) and/or the United States Golf Association (USGA). These standards specify dimensions such as groove shape, depth, width and length.

[0104] Advantageously, this embodiment of the invention may be used by those wishing to progress from junior golf towards full adult clubs because they combine a reduction in club head weight with the prescribed groove dimensions on the club face. They may also be used by those who, for whatever reason, wish to use a lighter iron-type golf club.

[0105] The insert 129 may be fixed in position in the recess 128 using a suitable adhesive such as an Aerospace standard adhesive. As illustrated in FIG. 10b, the adhesive may be applied to the surface of the recess or the rear surface of the insert.

[0106] FIG. 10c is a side view of another embodiment of the invention 221 in which the opposing side surfaces of the recess 228 and the insert 229 are tapered such that a when in position, the opposing surfaces form a physical barrier which prevents outward movement of the insert. An adhesive or other mechanical fixing may also be applied to secure the insert in position.

[0107] The present invention assists young golfers with the transition from "baby plastic" clubs to the lightest and biggest stage 1 clubs then to stage 2 clubs towards the age of 10 when the young golfers will progress towards the use of golf clubs which conform to the standard R and A specification.

[0108] Other advantages are that

[0109] 1. The radial shape to the base profile of the club which allows for a variable lie of the club on the ground accommodating different heights of young golfer

[0110] 2. The tapered, wedge shape wall thickness of the clubs through the cross section which gets thicker towards the bottom of the club thus propelling the ball in a higher trajectory.

[0111] The present invention is geared to make the transition from plastic clubs and softballs a much less painful experience and at the same time encourage more young players to persevere with golf.

[0112] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. An iron-type golf club head comprising: a neck which connects the club head to a shaft, in use; a front ball striking surface which has a face positioned between a heel which is connected to the neck and a toe which is at the free end of the ball striking surface an opposing rear surface; a leading edge at the lower end of the ball striking surface; a top edge at the upper end of the ball striking surface; and a sole located at the bottom of the club head which extends rearwards from the ball striking surface to the opposing rear surface wherein, the leading edge and sole of the club are curved along the length of the ball striking surface in a direction upwards towards the ball striking surface.

3. (canceled)

4. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the club head is constructed from a lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy.

5. A golf club head as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the alloy has a density of 2 g/cm³ to 3 g/cm.sup.3.

6. A golf club head as claimed in claim 5 wherein, the alloy has a density of 2.6 g/cm³ to 2.7 g/cm.sup.3.

7. A golf club head as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy is an aerospace alloy.

8. A golf club head as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy is a hard anodised aluminium alloy.

9. A golf club head as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy is a non-anodised aluminium alloys.

10. A golf club head as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the lightweight non-ferrous metal alloy is less dense than the type of steel allow which is typically used for making golf club heads.

11. A golf club head as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the alloy is ASTM 356X Aluminium Alloy.

12. A golf club head as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the alloy is a LM25 TF Aluminium Alloy.

13. A golf club head as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the alloy is LM6 Aluminium Alloy.

14. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the opposing rear surface comprises a cavity back.

15. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the sole of the club is shaped to allow the club to be grounded at an angle up to 60.degree. to the vertical.

16. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the leading edge and sole of the club are curved along the length of the ball striking surface in a direction upwards towards the ball striking surface.

17. A golf club head as claimed in claim 16 wherein, the curve of the leading edge and sole of the club towards the ball striking surface in a direction along the ball striking surface has an average radius of curvature of between 70 and 150.

18. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the sole of the club is curved upwards towards the ball striking surface from the leading edge to the opposing rear face.

19. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the curve of the sole of the club is curved upwards towards the ball striking surface from the leading edge to the opposing rear face varies along the length of the club head from heel to toe.

20. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the club has a volume which is between 15% and 45% greater than that of a standard steel alloy iron type golf club head.

21. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the club has a sweet spot which is between 15% and 45% greater than that of a standard iron type steel alloy golf club head.

22. A golf club head as claimed in claim 10 wherein, the club head density is between 40% and 80% of that of a standard iron type steel alloy golf club head.

23. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the golf club heads are for use in golf clubs designed to coach a person, particularly a young person and/or adult ladies to play golf.

24. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein the golf club heads are for use in golf clubs designed to assist those afflicted with physical constraints to play golf.

25. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the front ball striking surface comprises a recessed area into which is fixedly attached a separately formed insert which comprises the face.

26. A golf club head as claimed in claim 25 wherein, the insert is made of stainless steel or titanium.

27. A golf club head as claimed in claim 25 wherein, the insert has a thickness of between 2 mm and 8 mm.

28. A golf club head as claimed in claim 25 wherein, the insert has a length of 60 mm to 90 mm in accordance with the overall club head dimensions.

29. A golf club head as claimed in claim 25 wherein, the insert has a height of 50 to 75 mm through the centre line of the club in accordance with the overall club head size.

30. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the face comprises a plurality of laterally extending substantially parallel grooves which extend across the face of the club into the toe.

31. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the grooves are cast into the club head.

32. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the grooves are machined into the club head.

33. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein the grooves have a curved cross section.

34. A golf club head as claimed in claim 2 wherein the grooves are configured in accordance with R&A and/or USGA regulations.

35. A progressive set of iron type golf club heads constructed in accordance with claim 2.

36. A progressive set as claimed in claim 35 wherein, the progressive set contains at least three of the following golf club heads: a 5 iron; a 6 iron; a 7 iron; an 8 iron; a 9 iron; a wedge and a sand wedge.

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