Iron-type golf clubs

Abstract

A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long, mid- and short irons with channel back configurations and a mass control insert. The mass of the insert is systematically varied through the set such that the mass distribution properties of the set may be systematically varied while retaining a continuous look and feel through the set. The mass of the insert is varied by altering the volume or the density of the insert through the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. In one embodiment, the mass control insert comprises a dense insert and a lightweight cover. The density of the dense insert can be easily varied to change the mass distribution properties of the club head. One application of the mass control insert is to provide customization of the club head at the point of sale or distribution.

1 . A method of customizing a golf club head comprising the steps of:
 (i) providing the golf club head;   (ii) providing a plurality of mass control inserts;   (iii) testing the golf club head with each of at least two of the plurality of mass control inserts secured temporarily to the golf club head; and   (iv) securing a preferred one of the plurality of mass control inserts to the golf club head.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the golf club head includes a slot on a rear surface of a hitting face, wherein the slot is configured to hold at least one of the plurality of mass control inserts. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein testing the golf club head includes inserting a mass control insert into the slot. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mass control inserts includes a plurality of mass control inserts constructed of materials having different densities. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing one of the plurality of mass control inserts includes adhesively securing the mass control insert. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of mass control inserts includes a shell. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the shell receives an insert. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising securing the insert to the shell. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of mass control inserts includes a plurality of inserts received separately in the shell. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the shell is constructed of a material having a lower density than the material of the insert. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (iii) comprises testing a demonstration set of golf clubs. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (iii) comprises the steps of
 (iii) securing temporarily one of the plurality of mass control inserts to the golf club head, and   (iv) removing the temporarily secured mass control insert to test another of the plurality of mass control insert to the golf club head.   
     
     
         13 . A method of customizing a golf club head comprising the steps of:
 (i) providing the golf club head;   (ii) providing at least two mass control inserts having different weights;   (iii) testing the golf club head with each of the at least two mass control inserts secured temporarily to the golf club head;   (v) selecting a preferred mass control insert, and   (v) securing the preferred mass control insert to the golf club head.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the golf club head includes a slot on a rear surface of a hitting face, wherein the slot is configured to hold a mass control insert. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein testing the golf club head includes inserting a mass control insert into the slot. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the at least two mass control inserts includes mass control inserts constructed of materials having different densities.