Golf club head

Abstract

A golf club head has a main body portion formed by an investment casting of material such as stainless steel, beryllium copper, titanium, and aluminum. The face plate of the head is formed of a forged metal, such as forged carbon steel, this plate being welded to the face portion of the casting to form an integral assembly therewith. The forged metal faceplate affords a more solid impact and feel to the club which provides better control. Also, it has very high strength. Preferably, the head consists of cast stainless steel, and the face plate of forged stainless steel, both steels being of the same composition.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A “wood” type golf club head, comprising: 
 a face plate formed of forged metal; and  
 a main body portion formed of cast metal of the shape of a wood type golf club, the main body portion including an opening positioned within a ball striking region of the main body portion, and extending generally around the periphery of a front of the main body portion;  
 wherein the forged face plate is joined to the cast main body portion to cover the opening; and  
 wherein the forged face plate and the cast main body portion form a solidly integrated golf club head.  
 
     
     
         2 . The golf club head of    claim 1   , wherein the cast main body portion includes a hosel.  
     
     
         3 . The golf club head of    claim 1   , wherein the forged face plate is welded to the cast main body portion along the perimeter of the forged face plate.  
     
     
         4 . The golf club head of    claim 3   , wherein the forged face plate is curved.  
     
     
         5 . The golf club head of    claim 1   , wherein the forged face plate and the cast main body portion are formed of substantially the same metal.  
     
     
         6 . The golf club head of    claim 1   , wherein the forged face plate and the cast main body portion are formed of steel.  
     
     
         7 . The golf club head of    claim 1   , wherein the forged face plate and the cast main body portion are formed of beryllium copper.  
     
     
         8 . The golf club head of    claim 1   , wherein the forged face plate and the cast main body portion are formed of titanium.  
     
     
         9 . The golf club head of    claim 1   , wherein the combination of the forged face plate and cast main body portion imparts a more solid impact and feel then an entirely cast club head.