Abstract:
A golf club comprising an adjustable fitting member semi-permanently attached rearwardly on a sole is disclosed herein. The fitting member can be rotated to adjust the measured and perceived face angle of the golf club head at address without changing the relative relationship of the club with respect to the shaft, which would alter the lie and loft of the golf club head.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The Present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/040,024, filed on Mar. 3, 2011, which is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/467,891, filed on May 18, 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,934,999 on May 3, 2011. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a golf club head. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wood-type golf club head with an adjustable sole contour. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The prior art discloses golf clubs with means for adjusting the face angle. The face angle of a golf club is defined as the angle of the face to the grounded sole line with the shaft hole perpendicular to the line of flight. Maltby,  Golf Club Design, Fitting, Alteration , &amp;  Repair, The Principles  &amp;  Procedures,  4 th  Edition, Ralph Maltby Enterprises, (1995). 
     The perceived face angle is different than the measured face angle as would be measured on a device such as a CMM or De La Cruz gage. The measured face angle is based on the orientation of the face normal vector at a point in the center of the face. The perceived face angle is generally influenced by factors such as head outline shape at address and paint edge along the top of the face. 
     Alternative solutions to overcome the problem of variability of face angle at address include use of a dual keel point or multi-keel point sole shape, however these sole shapes have undesired affects on styling and on sound from striking the ball. Other inventions that allow for adjustments in the lie angle and face angle are also available. One such example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,281,985 for a Golf Club Head. The patent describes a golf club head which allows for the face angle, lie angle, loft angle, and shaft diameter of the golf club to be customized to a golfer. The customization of the face angle is accomplished by providing a golf club head with an insert for orientation of the golf club face angle following the manufacture of the golf club head. 
     A further example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,100 for a Golf Club Head With Adjustable Face Angle. The patent discloses a club head with an internal hosel and an insert disposed within that internal hosel. The insert allows for the face angle of the golf club to be oriented after manufacturing of the golf club head. 
     Yet a further example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,617 for a Golf Club Head With A Gasket. This patent discloses a golf club head with a gasket. The gasket controls the face angle of the club head. The width of the gasket varies to provide an open face angle club head, a closed face angle club head, or a neutral face angle club head. 
     Still another example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,862 for a Method For Fitting A Golf Club. The patent discloses a golf club head that has different hosel section orientations which allow for different face angles. 
     Woods, and in particular drivers, have historically been designed such that the sole shape (surface contour) is defined for styling or turf interaction purposes. Further, the center of gravity has been positioned in a location relative to the face in order to preferentially affect trajectory of the golf ball. The relationship between the sole shape and center of gravity of the golf club determines the face angle at address (natural sole) for a sole shape having a single contact point at equilibrium. This relationship has not been fully understood and as a result the face angle at address may often be different than intended in the design model. Some golfers are very sensitive to the look of an “open” or especially “closed” club face at address and this factor may weigh heavily in a purchase decision. 
     Whilst the club head design in CAD may orient the head in CAD space such that the face angle is at the desired value. This orientation is arbitrarily constrained and is not necessarily representative of the orientation when a player addresses the club and allows it to find an equilibrium orientation when resting on the ground. 
     Further, the resulting face angle at address may vary significantly with lie angle at address. This is because the area on the sole that touches the ground (“keel” area) is dependent on sole shape in proximity to the ground at a given lie angle. Different players are known to have lie angles at address for woods that are as much as twenty degrees different. Some wood heads may overcome this limitation by use of a dual keel point or multi-keel point sole shape. Sole shapes of this type often have undesired affects on styling and on sound from striking a ball. 
     Other wood clubs may overcome this by use of an adjustable shaft having a “kick” in the shaft axis relative to the bore axis of the head. This allows the face angle at address to be adjusted as desired within a range of several degrees open or closed by rotating the shaft about the bore axis. The disadvantage of this method is that the loft of the club head is simultaneously affected when rotating the shaft in this manner. Thus while a preferred face angle may be obtained by this method, the resulting loft may be too strong or weak. 
     As a driver is rotated thru a range of address lie angles the measured face angle will generally change by an amount related to the loft of the face at initial orientation and the range of lie angles rotated thru. For instance, a driver having a 10 deg loft and 0 deg face angle (also known as “Square”) at a design lie of 56 deg, will have a measured face angle that changes significantly (see  FIG. 1 ) as address lie angle changes from 56 deg to 40 deg. This change in measured face angle is generally not perceived by the golfer as it doesn&#39;t result in rotation of the club head about a vertical axis. This behavior is widely considered desirable as it provides a consistent “looking” club at address for a wide range of players who may have different lie angles at address. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to overcome the variability and uncertainty of the face angle at address (natural sole) for a wood having a single keel area (line or point). Further, this design seeks to provide the intended perceived face angle regardless of the lie angle at which the player addresses the club, within a range of 38-58 degrees. 
     The present invention also seeks to overcome the variability and uncertainty of a golf club&#39;s face angle at address (natural sole) by adding a predominant contact point rearwardly located on the sole. This rearwardly positioned contact point will stabilize the club in its natural-soled position and produce a face angle that is desired by the golfer. 
     The present invention also provides a method of overcoming unintended rotation of a club head at address by employing a sole configuration that interfaces with the ground at two primary contact points, wherein one of the contact points is variably adjustable in height to set and/or change the face angle of the club as desired by the golfer. 
     The perceived face angle of a golf club at address is often different than the actual face angle as would be measured on a device such as a CMM or De La Cruz gage. The measured face angle is based on the orientation of the face normal vector at a point in the center of the face. The measured face angle generally is not perceived by the golfer because it is difficult to visually reference the face angle&#39;s location and direction. However, the perceived face angle generally is influenced by factors such as head outline shape at address and paint edge along the top of the face, which is more easily noticed by golfers. 
     Depending on the relative orientation of the club CG (center of gravity) and the sole surface in the vicinity of contact with the ground, the measured and perceived face angles may vary unexpectedly at different address lie angles. This is a problem with many current woods which can result in problems with acceptance in the market place. Some golfers won&#39;t even try a club that has a face angle they consider unappealing, regardless of the performance of the club. 
     The sole surface within a defined proximity of the natural sole keel point (“keel zone”) is such that even if the club is addressed at different lie angles (38-58 deg) the resulting perceived face angle will be constant within +/−0.5 deg. 
     The “line of equilibrium” is defined as a line that runs from a point on the underside of the grip at five inches below the butt end thru the club center of gravity and extending thru the head. The keel zone is defined relative to this line. 
     One aspect of the present invention is an adjustable keel member, defined as a local area on the sole of a club head wherein the sole contour can be manipulated for the purpose of changing face angle at address. The adjustable keel member has multiple differently tapered edges that can each be presented roughly parallel to the “X” axis by rotating the adjustable keel member. The taper of the edge roughly parallel to the X axis is designed to be the lowest (closest to the ground) portion of the sole and will determine the face angle by way it interacts with the ground plane. The edges of the adjustable keel member are sufficiently wide that the “equilibrium line” of the club CG will fall within the width of the edge, resulting in a stable grounding condition. 
     Another aspect of the invention is an adjustable fitting, located rearwardly on the sole, which can be manipulated for the purpose of changing the face angle, both measured and perceived. The fitting has multiple raised contact points that can each be adjusted to be taller or shorter, with respect to the z-axis, depending on how the fitting is oriented with respect to the sole of the club head. 
     One aspect of the present invention is a wood-type golf club head. The golf club head includes a body and an adjustable keel zone member. The body has a front portion, a crown portion and a sole portion. The body also having a heel end, a toe end and an aft end. The sole portion has only a single keel point. The adjustable keel zone member is disposed within a keel zone of the sole and located preferentially with respect to the center of gravity. The keel zone member is capable of adjusting the face angle of the wood-type golf club head. 
     Preferably, the keel zone is located in the fore-aft direction relative to an equilibrium line. Preferably, the keel zone is located in the heel-toe direction by a target lie angle. Preferably, the center of the keel zone contacts the ground at the target lie angle and the zone is equally dispersed about the contact point in the heel and toe directions. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable keel zone member has a triangular shape with a first apex point, a second apex point and a third apex point. The first apex point and the second apex point each having a height greater than the height of the third apex point. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable keel zone member has a first edge between the first apex point and the second apex point, a second edge between the second apex point and the third apex point, and a third edge between the third apex point and the first apex point. The first edge has a constant height, the second edge has a height that decreases from the second apex point to the third apex point, and the third edge has a height that increases from the third apex point to the first apex point. 
     Preferably, the adjustable keel zone member has an aperture for placement of a bolt therethrough. Preferably, each of the first edge, the second edge and the third edge of the adjustable keel zone member has a length ranging from 0.5 inch to 1.5 inches. Preferably, each of the second edge and the third edge of the adjustable keel zone member has a three degrees inclination from apex point to apex point. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is wood-type golf club. The golf club includes a golf club head and shaft. The golf club head includes a body and an adjustable keel zone member. The body has a front portion, a crown portion and a sole portion. The body also having a heel end, a toe end and an aft end. The sole portion has only a single keel point. The adjustable keel zone member is disposed within a keel zone of the sole and located preferentially with respect to the center of gravity. The keel zone member is capable of adjusting the face angle of the wood-type golf club head. The shaft is connected to the golf club head. 
     Preferably, the golf club head has a volume ranging from 420 cc to 470 cc. Preferably, the center of the keel zone contacts the ground at the target lie angle and the zone is equally dispersed about the contact point in the heel and toe directions. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the sole of the golf club head has a keel zone flat area for placement of the adjustable keel zone member thereon. The keel zone flat area has a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded bolt for removably securing the adjustable keel zone member to the sole of the golf club head. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the adjustable keel zone member allows the wood-type golf club to have an open face angle at address, a closed face angle at address or a neutral face angle at address. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable keel zone member has a height ranging from 0.125 inch to 0.5 inch. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a wood-type golf club head comprising a body having a front portion, a crown portion and a sole portion, the body also having a heel end, a toe end and an aft end, and an adjustable fitting member disposed on the sole, wherein the adjustable fitting member can be removed, reoriented, and reattached to the sole to effect a change in the face angle of the wood-type golf club head without affecting loft or lie angles of the wood-type golf club head. The adjustable fitting member may be disposed on the sole proximate the aft end and the heel end. The golf club head preferably contacts the ground surface at first and second contact points at address, wherein the first contact point is a portion of the sole proximate the front portion, and wherein the second contact point is a portion of the adjustable fitting member. 
     In a further embodiment, the sole comprises a recessed portion, wherein the adjustable fitting member is disposed within the recessed portion. The adjustable fitting member preferably has a triangular shape with a first apex point, a second apex point, and a third apex point, wherein the first apex point has a height greater than the second and third apex points, and wherein the second apex point has a height greater than that of the third apex point. The golf club head may have a neutral face angle when second apex point contacts the ground surface, an open face angle when the third apex point contacts the ground surface, and a closed face angle when the first apex point contacts the ground surface. The adjustable fitting member may have an aperture for placement of a bolt therethrough, and the sole may comprise an aperture to receive the bolt after the bolt is inserted through the aperture in the adjustable fitting member. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a wood-type golf club comprising a golf club head comprising a body having a front portion, a crown portion and a sole portion, the body also having a heel end, a toe end and an aft end, the sole portion having a recessed portion proximate the aft end, and an adjustable fitting member disposed within the recessed portion, the adjustable fitting member having a triangular shape with a first apex point, a second apex point, and a third apex point, and a shaft connected to the golf club head, wherein the adjustable fitting member can affect the face angle of the wood-type golf club head without affecting the loft or lie angles of the wood-type golf club head, wherein the golf club head contacts a ground surface at only two points of contact, wherein the first point of contact is a portion of the sole proximate the front portion, and wherein the second point of contact is one of the first, second, and third apex points. 
     In a further embodiment, the first apex point has a height greater than the second and third apex points, wherein the second apex point has a height greater than that of the third apex point. The adjustable fitting member may have an aperture for placement of a bolt therethrough, and the recessed portion may comprise an aperture to receive the bolt after the bolt is inserted through the aperture in the adjustable fitting member. The golf club head may have a neutral face angle when the second apex point contacts the ground surface, an open face angle when the third apex point contacts the ground surface, and a closed face angle when the first apex point contacts the ground surface. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of adjusting the face angle of a wood-type golf club head comprising providing a golf club head comprising a front portion, a crown portion, a sole portion, and an aft end, the sole portion having a recessed portion proximate the aft end, providing an adjustable fitting member that fits within the recessed portion, the adjustable fitting member having a triangular shape with a first apex point, a second apex point, and a third apex point, the first apex point having a height greater than the second and third apex points, and the second apex point having a height greater than that of the third apex point, rotating the adjustable fitting member so that the apex point having a desired height contacts the ground when the golf club head is placed at address, and removably securing the adjustable fitting member within the recessed portion. The golf club may have a neutral face angle when the second apex point contacts the ground surface, an open face angle when the third apex point contacts the ground surface, and a closed face angle when the first apex point contacts the ground surface. In a further embodiment, the golf club head contacts a ground surface at only two points. 
     Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom plan view of a golf club head. 
         FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a golf club head. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a golf club head. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of a golf club head. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of a golf club head illustrating a keel zone. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of a golf club head illustrating a keel zone. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of a golf club head illustrating a keel zone. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of a golf club head illustrating a keel zone and providing a definition of the keel zone. 
         FIG. 9  is a graph showing measured face angles for various golf clubs at various lie angles ranging from 40 to 60 degrees. 
         FIG. 10  is a chart illustrating the frequency distribution of lie angles at address for various golfers using the same standard driver having a golf club length of 46 inches. 
         FIG. 11  is a graph showing ideal measured face angles and perceived face angles at various lie angles ranging from 40 to 60 degrees. 
         FIG. 12  is a graph showing actual measured face angles and perceived face angles at various lie angles ranging from 40 to 60 degrees. 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of a golf club to illustrate the line of equilibrium. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a golf club having an adjustable keel zone member. 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom perspective view of a golf club with an exploded view of an adjustable keel zone member. 
         FIG. 16  is an isolated view of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable keel zone member. 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable keel zone member. 
         FIG. 18  is a side partial view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member in an open face angle orientation. 
         FIG. 19  is a side partial view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member in a neutral face angle orientation. 
         FIG. 19A  is a side partial view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member in a closed face angle orientation. 
         FIG. 20  is a top partial view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member in an open face angle orientation. 
         FIG. 21  is a top partial view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member in a neutral face angle orientation. 
         FIG. 22  is a top partial view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member in a closed face angle orientation. 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member. 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member. 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of a golf club with an adjustable keel zone member in an address position. 
         FIG. 26  is a rear perspective view of a golf club head. 
         FIG. 27  is a front view of a golf club of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a rear view of the club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 29  is a toe side view of the club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 30  is a heel side view of the club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 31  is a top plan view of the club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 32  is a bottom plan view of the club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 33A  is an exploded, bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment of the golf club of the present invention with an adjustable fitting. 
         FIG. 33B  is an assembled, bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 33A . 
         FIG. 34A  is a top perspective view of the adjustable fitting shown in  FIG. 33A . 
         FIG. 34B  is a side view of the adjustable fitting shown in  FIG. 33A . 
         FIG. 35A  is a top plan view of a golf club head of the present invention with an open face angle. 
         FIG. 35B  is a top plan view of a golf club head of the present invention with a neutral face angle. 
         FIG. 35C  is a top plan view of a golf club head of the present invention with a closed face angle. 
         FIG. 36A  is a side view of a golf club head of the present invention having an open fitting configuration. 
         FIG. 36B  is a side view of a golf club head of the present invention having a neutral fitting configuration. 
         FIG. 36C  is a side view of a golf club head of the present invention having a closed fitting configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiment 1 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , a golf club head  20  has an adjustable keel zone member  100 . The adjustable keel zone member  100  is positioned on a sole  26  of the golf club head  20 . The golf club head  20  also preferably has a body  22  with a crown  24 , a front wall  30  and the sole  26 . The golf club head  20  also has a heel end  36 , an aft end  37  and a toe end  38 . 
     The golf club head  20  is preferably a multiple material golf club head such as disclosed in Foster et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/240,425, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, for a Golf Club Head, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the golf club head  20  is a club head such as disclosed in Murphy et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,383,577 for a Multiple Material Golf Club Head, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the golf club head  20  is a club head such as disclosed in Williams et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,390,269 for a Golf Club Head, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the golf club head  20  is a club head such as disclosed in Gibbs et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,960 for a Golf Club Head With Variable Face Thickness, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the golf club head  20  is a club head such as disclosed in Hocknell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,413,520 for a Golf Club Head With High Moment OF Inertia, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the golf club head  20  is a club with an interchangeable shaft such as disclosed in Hocknell et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,427,239 for a Golf Club With Interchangeable Head-Shaft Connection, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the golf club head  20  is a club with an interchangeable shaft such as disclosed in Evans et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/208,137, filed on Sep. 10, 2008, for a Golf Club With Removable Components, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The adjustable keel member  100  is preferably located in the fore-aft direction by the “equilibrium line” as shown in  FIG. 14 , which lies outside of shaft  21 . The adjustable keel member  100  is preferably located in the heel-toe direction by the target lie angle as defined in  FIG. 14 . An edge of the adjustable keel member  100 , oriented roughly parallel to the X axis contacts the ground at any lie angle within the desired range. The size of the adjustable keel member  100  is preferably a 1″ by 1″ square zone. The actual shape of the adjustable keel member  100  may be square, circular, triangular or other shape. 
     The invention describes an adjustable keel member  100  on the sole of a club head located preferentially with respect to the club CG (center of gravity). Within this adjustable multi-edged surface the club head will contact the ground for any of a wide range of practical orientations (lie angles) at address. The adjustable keel member  100  can be rotated to cause one of several edges to engage the ground plane, thus preferentially modifying the face angle at address without affecting loft of the head at square impact. 
     The address lie angle may be very different for different golfers. As a result, if the design intent is for the club to appear to have the same face angle for all golfers it must be stable over a wide range of address lie angles. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , prior art drivers survey exhibit the undesirable behavior of excessive variation in face angle at different address lie angles as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     The sole surface within a defined proximity of the natural sole keel point (“keel zone”) is such that even if the club is addressed at different lie angles (40-60 deg) the resulting perceived face angle will be constant within +/−0.5 deg. 
     The “line of equilibrium” is defined as a line that runs from a point on the underside of the grip at 5″ below the butt end thru the club center of gravity and extending thru the head. The keel zone is defined relative to this line. 
     The adjustable keel member  100  is positioned in a keel zone of the golf club, which is defined as a local prismatic surface on the sole of a club head. The keel zone surface is prismatic to the “X” axis which is oriented in the fore-aft (front-back) direction of the head at nominal design orientation. The keel zone is located in the fore-aft direction by the “equilibrium line” described in the previous section. The keel zone is located in the heel-toe direction by the target lie angle as defined in table 1. The center of the keel zone contacts the ground at the target lie angle and the zone is equally dispersed about the contact point in the heel and toe directions. The size of the keel zone is preferably 0.5″ wide fore-aft and 1.0 inches wide heel-toe as measured when viewed from along the vertical axis. The keel zone surface is within 0.05″ of this definition across the full extent of the surface. 
     Within this local prismatic surface the club head will contact the ground for any of a wide range of practical orientations (lie angles) at address. This causes the club to appear to have a stable face angle even when addressed at different lie angles. 
     An equilibrium line of a golf club  19  is shown in  FIG. 13 , and runs from a point on the underside of the grip, preferably at 5 inches below the butt end through the club center of gravity and extending through the head. The sole surface, within a defined proximity of the sole keel point, is such that even if the club is addressed at different lie angles, between 40-60 degrees, the resulting perceived face angle will be constant within +/−0.5 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, the adjustable keel member  100  preferably has a width ranging from 0.50-0.60 inches in the fore-aft direction, centered on the equilibrium line and a width between 1.00-1.10 inches in the heel-toe direction located by the target lie angle. In this embodiment, the keel zone shape is prismatic to the surface of the sole, with a raised surface that is consistent in the heel-toe direction, and a surface that follows the contours of the club head in the front-aft direction. 
     The golf club head  20 , when designed as a driver, preferably has a volume from 200 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters, more preferably from 300 cubic centimeters to 500 cubic centimeters, and most preferably from 350 cubic centimeters to 480 cubic centimeters. The volume of the golf club head  20  will also vary between fairway woods (preferably ranging from 3-woods to eleven woods) with smaller volumes than drivers. The golf club head  20  preferably has a mass no more than 225 grams, and most preferably a mass of 180 to 215 grams. 
     Preferably the golf club head  20  has a body  22  that is composed of titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel or other iron-alloys. Alternatively, the body  22  may be composed of a lightweight metallic material, such as magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, magnesium, aluminum or other low density metals. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a golf club with a closed face angle. The golf club has a club head, a shaft with a grip attached at a butt end of the shaft. The keel zone makes the face angle of the golf club appear consistent at various lie angles. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the adjustable keel member  100  is positioned in a keel zone  102  of the golf club head  20 , preferably using a threaded bolt  101  placed through an aperture  111  of the adjustable keel member  100  and secured in a threaded aperture  112  within the keel zone  102 . The bolt  101  is removed for adjustment of the adjustable keel member  100  in order to adjust the face angle of the golf club  19 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the adjustable keel member  100  is preferably triangular in shape with a first apex point  105 , a second apex point  106  and a third apex point  107 . A first edge  108  is between the first apex point  105  and the second apex point  106 . A second edge  109  is between the second apex point  106  and the third apex point  107 . A third edge  110  is between the first apex point  105  and the third apex point  107 . In a preferred embodiment, the first edge  108  has a constant height. The second edge  109  has a height that decreases from the second apex point  106  to the third apex point  107 . The third edge  110  has a height that decreases from the first apex point  105  to the third apex point  107 . 
     Preferably the third apex point  107  has a height H 2  as shown in  FIG. 17 , which is lower than a height H 1  for first and second apex points  105  and  106 . Preferably the angle of inclination αK from the first or second apex points  105  and  106  to the third apex points  107  is three degrees. The adjustable keel member  100  is preferably composed of a metal material such as titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, stainless steel or a like material.  FIGS. 18-22  show a golf club  19  with various face angles.  FIG. 23  shows the adjustable keel member  100  is a neutral position.  FIGS. 24 and 25  show a golf club  19  grounded and at address. 
       FIG. 1(   a ) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head  20  with the adjustable keel member  100 . The adjustable keel member  100  has a raised surface that remains consistent in the heel-toe direction.  FIG. 2(   a ) illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head  20  and adjustable keel member  100  in the fore-aft direction. The adjustable keel member  100  has a raised surface that mimics the surface contours of the sole shape. 
     In some embodiments, the heel end of the keel zone has a higher raised surface than the toe end. In other embodiments, the toe end of the alignment line has a higher raised surface than the heel end of the alignment line. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE ONE 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Club Length (Inches) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 40 
                 41 
                 42 
                 43 
                 44 
                 45 
                 46 
                 47 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Address at 
                 51 
                 50 
                 49 
                 48 
                 47 
                 46 
                 45 
                 44 
               
               
                   
                 lie 
               
               
                   
                 (Degrees) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Embodiment 2 
     An alternative embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 26-32 . A golf club head  42  is generally designated. In a preferred embodiment, the club head  42  is generally composed of three components, a face component  60 , a mid-body  61 , and an aft-weight component  65 . The mid-body  61  preferably has a crown section  62  and a sole section  64 . The mid-body  61  optionally has a ribbon section  90 . 
     The golf club head  42 , when designed as a driver, preferably has a volume from 200 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters, more preferably from 300 cubic centimeters to 500 cubic centimeters, and most preferably from 420 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters, with a most preferred volume of 460 cubic centimeters. The volume of the golf club head  42  will also vary between fairway woods (preferably ranging from 3-woods to eleven woods) with smaller volumes than drivers. 
     The golf club head  42 , when designed as a driver, preferably has a mass no more than 215 grams, and most preferably a mass of 180 to 215 grams. When the golf club head  42  is designed as a fairway wood, the golf club head preferably has a mass of 135 grams to 200 grams, and preferably from 140 grams to 165 grams. 
     The face component  60  is generally composed of a single piece of metal, and is preferably composed of a formed or forged metal material. More preferably, the metal material is a titanium material. Such titanium materials include pure titanium and titanium alloys such as 6-4 titanium alloy, SP-700 titanium alloy (available from Nippon Steel of Tokyo, Japan), DAT 55G titanium alloy available from Diado Steel of Tokyo, Japan, Ti 10-2-3 Beta-C titanium alloy available from RTI International Metals of Ohio, and the like. Other metals for the face component  60  include stainless steel, other high strength steel alloy metals and amorphous metals. Alternatively, the face component  60  is manufactured through casting, machining, powdered metal forming, metal-injection-molding, electro chemical milling, and the like. 
     The face component  60  generally includes a striking plate (also referred to herein as a face plate)  72  and a return portion  74  extending laterally inward from a perimeter  73  of the striking plate  72 . The striking plate  72  typically has a plurality of scorelines  75  thereon. The striking plate  72  preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.010 inch to 0.250 inch, and the return portion  74  preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.010 inch to 0.250 inch. The return portion  74  preferably extends a distance ranging from 0.25 inch to 1.5 inches from the perimeter  73  of the striking plate  72 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the return portion  74  generally includes an upper lateral section  76 , a lower lateral section  78 , a heel lateral section  80  and a toe lateral section  82 . Thus, the return  74  preferably encircles the striking plate portion  72  a full 360 degrees. However, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the return portion  74  may only encompass a partial section of the striking plate  72 , such as 270 degrees or 180 degrees, and may also be discontinuous. 
     The upper lateral section  76  preferably extends inward, towards the mid-body  61 , a predetermined distance to engage the crown section  62 . In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined distance ranges from 0.2 inch to 1.2 inch, more preferably 0.40 inch to 1.0 inch, and most preferably 0.8 inch, as measured from the perimeter  73  of the striking plate  72  to the rearward edge of the upper lateral section  76 . In a preferred embodiment, the upper lateral section  76  is substantially straight and substantially parallel to the striking plate  72  from the heel end  166  to the toe end  168 . 
     The perimeter  73  of the striking plate  72  is preferably defined as the transition point where the face component  60  transitions from a plane substantially parallel to the striking plate portion  72  to a plane substantially perpendicular to the striking plate  72 . Alternatively, one method for determining the transition point is to take a plane parallel to the striking plate  72  and a plane perpendicular to the striking plate portion, and then take a plane at an angle of forty-five degrees to the parallel plane and the perpendicular plane. Where the forty-five degrees plane contacts the face component is the transition point thereby defining the perimeter of the striking p 1   
     The heel lateral section  80  is substantially perpendicular to the striking plate  72 , and the heel lateral section  80  preferably covers a portion of a hosel  54  before engaging an optional ribbon section  90  and a bottom section  91  of the sole section  64  of the mid-body  61 . The heel lateral section  80  is attached to the sole section  64 , both the ribbon section  90  and the bottom section  91 , as explained in greater detail below. The heel lateral section  80  extends inward a distance from the perimeter  73  a distance of 0.2 inch to 1.2 inch, more preferably 0.40 inch to 1.0 inch, and most preferably 0.8 inch. The heel lateral section  80  is preferably straight at its edge. 
     At the other end of the face component  60  is the toe lateral section  82 . The toe lateral section  82  is preferably attached to the sole section  64 , both the ribbon  90  and the bottom section  91 , as explained in greater detail below. The toe lateral section  82  extends inward a distance from the perimeter  73  a distance of 0.2 inch to 1.2 inch, more preferably 0.40 inch to 1.0 inch, and most preferably 0.8 inch. The toe lateral section  82  preferably is preferably straight at its edge. 
     The lower lateral section  78  extends inward, toward the aft-body  61 , a distance to engage the sole portion  64 . In a preferred embodiment, the distance d ranges from 0.2 inch to 1.2 inch, more preferably 0.40 inch to 1.0 inch, and most preferably 0.8 inch, as measured from the perimeter  73  of the striking plate portion  72  to the edge of the lower lateral section  78 . 
     The mid-body  61  is preferably composed of a non-metal material, preferably a composite material such as continuous fiber pre-preg material (including thermosetting materials or thermoplastic materials for the resin). Other materials for the mid-body  61  include other thermosetting materials or other thermoplastic materials such as injectable plastics. Alternatively, the mid-body  61  is composed of low-density metal materials, such as magnesium or aluminum. Exemplary magnesium alloys are available from Phillips Plastics Corporation under the brands AZ-91-D (nominal composition of magnesium with aluminum, zinc and manganese), AM-60-B (nominal composition of magnesium with aluminum and manganese) and AM-50-A (nominal composition of magnesium with aluminum and manganese). The mid-body  61  is preferably manufactured through metal-injection-molding. Alternatively, the mid-body  61  is manufactured through casting, forming, machining, powdered metal forming, electro chemical milling, and the like. 
     The mid-body  61  is preferably manufactured through bladder-molding, resin transfer molding, resin infusion, injection molding, compression molding, or a similar process. In a preferred process, the face component  60 , with an adhesive on the interior surface of the return portion  74 , is placed within a mold with a preform of the mid-body  61  for bladder molding. Such adhesives include thermosetting adhesives in a liquid or a film medium. A preferred adhesive is a two part liquid epoxy sold by 3M of Minneapolis Minn. under the brand names DP420NS and DP460NS. Other alternative adhesives include modified acrylic liquid adhesives such as DP810NS, also sold by the 3M Company. Alternatively, foam tapes such as Hysol Synspan may be utilized with the present invention. 
     A bladder is placed within the hollow interior of the preform and face component  60 , and is pressurized within the mold, which is also subject to heating. The co-molding process secures the mid-body  61  to the face component  60 . Alternatively, the mid-body  61  is bonded to the face component  60  using an adhesive, or mechanically secured to the return portion  74 . 
     The crown portion  62  of the mid-body  61  engages the ribbon section  90  of sole section  64  outside of the engagement with the face component  60 . The crown section  62  preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.010 to 0.100 inch, more preferably in the range of 0.025 inch to 0.070 inch, even more preferably in the range of 0.028 inch to 0.040 inch, and most preferably has a thickness of 0.033 inch. The sole section  64 , including the bottom section  91  and the optional ribbon section  90 , which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom section  91 , preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.010 to 0.100 inch, more preferably in the range of 0.025 inch to 0.070 inch, even more preferably in the range of 0.028 inch to 0.040 inch, and most preferably has a thickness of 0.033 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the mid-body  61  is composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg, typically six or seven plies, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,025, entitled Composite Golf head And Method Of Manufacturing, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The hosel  54  is preferably at least partially disposed within the hollow interior of the club head  42 , and is preferably located as a part of the face component  60 . The hosel  54  is preferably composed of a similar material to the face component  60 , and is preferably secured to the face component  60  through welding or the like. Alternatively, the hosel  54  may be formed with the formation of the face component  60 . 
     The club head  42  preferably has a heel end  166 , a toe end  168  and an aft-end  170  that are substantially straight. As shown in  FIG. 32 , the heel end  166  has a distance, “Dhw”, from a furthest forward extent of the club head  42  to a furthest rearward extent of the club head  42  that preferably ranges from 2.00 to 5.00 inches, more preferably from 3.0 to 5.0 inches, and most preferably from 4.5 to 5.0 inches. 
     As shown in  FIG. 32 , the toe end  168  has a distance, “Dtw”, from a furthest forward extent of the club head  42  to a furthest rearward extent of the club head  42  that preferably ranges from 2.00 to 5.00 inches, more preferably from 3.0 to 5.0 inches, and most preferably from 4.5 to 5.0 inches. 
     As shown in  FIG. 32 , the aft end  170  has a distance, “Daw”, from a widest extent of the heel end  166  of the club head to a widest extent of the toe end  168  of the club head  42  that preferably ranges from 2.00 to 5.00 inches, more preferably from 3.0 to 5.0 inches, and most preferably from 4.5 to 5.0 inches. In one embodiment, the distances Dhw, Dtw and Daw are all equal in length ranging from 4.0 to 5.0 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the distances Dhw and Dtw are equal in length ranging from 4.5 to 5.0 inches. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the aft weight component  65  is preferably positioned on a rear inlaid portion  68  of the mid-body  61 . The aft-weight component  65  generally includes two parts, a cap and a weight member. The weight member is preferably bonded to the cap using an adhesive material. The aft weight component  65  increases the moment of inertia of the club head  42 , influences the center of gravity, and/or influences other inherent mass properties of the golf club head  42 . 
     The cap is preferably composed of a light-weight material, most preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The cap generally has a thickness ranging from 0.02 to 0.10 inch, and most preferably from 0.03 inch to 0.04 inch. The cap preferably has a mass ranging from 5 to 20 grams, and most preferably approximately 10 grams. 
     Individually, each weight member has a mass ranging from 5 grams to 30 grams. Each weight member is preferably composed of a material that has a density ranging from 5 grams per cubic centimeters to 20 grams per cubic centimeters, more preferably from 7 grams per cubic centimeters to 12 grams per cubic centimeters. The “dumbbell” like shape of the weight member allows for the mass of the aft-weight component to be focused for a fade golf drive, a neutral golf drive or a draw golf drive. 
     Each weight member is preferably composed of a polymer material integrated with a metal material. The metal material is preferably selected from copper, tungsten, steel, aluminum, tin, silver, gold, platinum, or the like. A preferred metal is tungsten due to its high density. The polymer material is a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer material. A preferred polymer material is polyurethane, epoxy, nylon, polyester, or similar materials. A most preferred polymer material is a thermoplastic polyester polyurethane. A preferred weight member is an injection molded thermoplastic polyurethane integrated with tungsten to have a density of 8.0 grams per cubic centimeters. In a preferred embodiment, each weight member is composed of from 50 to 95 volume percent polyurethane and from 50 to 5 volume percent tungsten. Also, in a preferred embodiment, each weight member is composed of from 10 to 25 weight percent polyurethane and from 90 to 75 weight percent tungsten. 
     Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other weighting materials may be utilized for the aft weight component  65  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The placement of the aft weight component  65  allows for the moment of inertia of the golf club head  42  to be optimized. 
     Alternatively, the weight member is composed of tungsten loaded film, tungsten doped polymers, or similar weighting mechanisms such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,990, entitled A Composite Golf Club Head With An Integral Weight Strip, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other high density materials, such as lead-free pewter, may be utilized as an optional weight without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     Embodiment 3 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention, which comprises two contact points between a sole or bottom surface of the golf club and the ground, is disclosed in  FIGS. 33A ,  33 B,  34 A,  34 B,  35 A-C, and  36 A-C. As shown in  FIGS. 33A ,  33 B,  35 A-C and  36 A-C, a golf club head  200  has a body  220  with a front wall  230 , a crown  240 , a sole  260 , a heel end  270 , an aft end  280 , and a toe end  290 . The golf club head  200  further has an adjustable fitting member  300  positioned within a recessed area  310  in the sole  260  towards the aft end  280  of the golf club head  200 . The recessed area  310  preferably is closer to the heel end  270  of the golf club head  200  than the toe end  290 . 
     The fitting member  300  preferably is secured to the sole  260  of the golf club head  200  with a bolt  320  that passes through a bore  301  in the fitting member  300  and engages a threaded bore  315  in the recessed area  310  of the sole  260 . An alternative embodiment of this design may dispense with the recessed area  310  altogether and permit the fitting member  300  to be directly attached to the surface of the sole  260 . An alternative embodiment may also employ other methods of attaching the fitting member  300  to the sole  260  of the club head  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 34A and 34B , the fitting member  300  preferably is triangular in shape and has three apex points  302 ,  303 ,  304  having differing heights. By rotating the fitting member  300 , the apex points  302 ,  303 ,  304 , each of which is located 120 degrees from the others, enable a golfer to adjust the face angle of the club to which the fitting member  300  is affixed to be oriented in open, neutral, or closed positions. In this embodiment, when the fitting member  300  is oriented such that the golf club has an open position, the club has a face angle of 2 degrees open. When the fitting member  300  is oriented such that the golf club has a neutral position, the club has a face angle of 0 degrees. When the fitting member  300  is oriented such that the golf club has a closed position, the club has a face angle of 2 degrees closed. The face angles may differ in alternative embodiments; for example, a golf club head  200  with a fitting member  300  may have a face angle of 4 degrees open in open position and 4 degrees closed in closed position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 34A and 34B , each apex point  302 ,  303 ,  304  is assigned an indicium. The apex point having a “neutral” indicium  304  has the greatest, or most extended, height H 1  of the fitting member  300 . The apex point having a “closed” indicium  302  has the smallest, or most retracted, height H 3  of the fitting member. The apex point having an “open” indicium  303  has a height H 2  that is midway between that of the neutral  304  and closed  302  apex points. In other words, the apex point marked “neutral”  304  has a greater height H 1  than the heights H 2 , H 3  of both of the apex points marked “closed” and “open”  302 ,  303 , and the apex point marked “open” has a greater height H 2  than the height H 3  of the apex point marked “closed”  302 . 
     In the present embodiment, the fitting member  300  is adjusted by rotating the fitting member  300  such that the indicium that is highest along the vertical Z axis represents the effective face angle. In other words, when a golfer wishes the club head  200  to have an open face angle, as shown in  FIGS. 35A and 36A , the golfer adjusts the fitting member  300  so that the apex point labeled “open”  303  is highest along the Z axis and the apex point that contacts the ground is the one that is most retracted—the apex point marked “closed”  302 .  FIG. 36A  shows that, in this configuration, the golf club contacts the ground  400  at two points, a first point  410  near the front wall  230  of the golf club head  200 , and a second point  420  where the apex point marked “closed”  302  contacts the ground  400 . 
     Conversely, when a golfer wishes the club head  200  to have a closed face angle, as shown in  FIGS. 35C and 36C , the golfer adjusts the fitting member  300  so that the apex point labeled “closed”  302  is highest along the vertical Z axis and the apex point that contacts the ground is the one that is most extended—the apex point marked “neutral”  304 .  FIG. 36C  shows that, in this configuration, the golf club contacts the ground  400  at two points, a first point  410  near the front wall  230  of the golf club head  200 , and a second point  420  where the apex point marked “neutral”  304  contacts the ground  400 . 
     When a golfer wishes the club head  200  to have a neutral face angle, as shown in  FIGS. 35B and 36B , the golfer adjusts the fitting member  300  so that the apex point labeled “neutral”  304  is highest along the vertical Z axis and the apex point that contacts the ground is one that has a medium height H 2 —the apex point marked “open”  303 .  FIG. 36B  shows that, in this configuration, the golf club contacts the ground  400  at two points, a first point  410  near the front wall  230  of the golf club head  200 , and a second point  420  where the apex point marked “open”  303  contacts the ground  400 . 
     For each of these three positions, a golfer can place the club at address by rotating the club head  200  through its shaft axis until the apex point of the fitting member  300  that is located lowest along the Z axis touches the ground. 
     The adjustably oriented fitting member  300  of this invention changes the height of the most rearward contact point  420  between the club and the ground. The most forward contact point  410  between the club and the ground is provided by the sole  260  proximate the front wall  230 . This contact point  410  may be proximate the junction where the sole  260  and the front wall  230  or face meet. Having two distinct contact points  410 ,  420  on or connected with the sole  260 , particularly when these contact points  410 ,  420  are spaced well enough apart from each other, creates a stable sole  260  which allows a golfer to obtain a desired face angle, both measured and perceived. 
     The golf club head  200  of this embodiment, when designed as a driver, preferably has a volume from 200 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters, more preferably from 300 cubic centimeters to 500 cubic centimeters, and most preferably from 420 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters, with a most preferred volume of 460 cubic centimeters. The volume of the golf club head  200  will also vary between fairway woods (preferably ranging from 3-woods to eleven woods) with smaller volumes than drivers. 
     The golf club head  200  preferably is a multiple material golf club head such as disclosed herein, and the fitting member  300  is preferably composed of an aluminum alloy. In alternative embodiments, however, the club head  200  may be made of any material or material combinations disclosed herein, and the fitting member  300  may comprise hard plastic, graphite composite, magnesium, titanium or another metallic alloy. 
     From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.