Patent Publication Number: US-2022212071-A1

Title: Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/472,321, filed Sep. 10, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/940,806, filed Jul. 28, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,141,635, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/006,055, filed Jun. 12, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,737,153, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/518,715, filed Jun. 13, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/533,481, filed Jul. 17, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/536,266, filed Jul. 24, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/644,233, filed Mar. 16, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/659,060, filed Apr. 17, 2018. 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/674,332, filed Nov. 5, 2019, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/275,883, filed Feb. 14, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,493,331, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/745,194, filed Oct. 12, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/755,241, filed Nov. 2, 2018. 
     The disclosures of the abovementioned U.S. Applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION 
     The present disclosure may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the present disclosure and its related documents, as they appear in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all applicable copyrights. 
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to golf equipment, and more particularly, to golf club heads and methods to manufacturing golf club heads. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Golf club heads may be manufactured using various materials and processes. For example, putter heads typically include an integrated hosel. Accordingly, an individual in possession of a putter having an undesirable body type and/or hosel type is forced to acquire a second putter having the desired characteristics. By assembling golf club heads using removable interchangeable parts, some relief may be provided to an individual facing the problem outlined above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front view of a golf club with a golf club head according to an example of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a front perspective view of a golf club head according to yet another example of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front view of the golf club head of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a rear view of the golf club head of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a top view of the golf club head of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a bottom view of the golf club head of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts a left view of the golf club head of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts a right view of the golf club head of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts a front view of a face portion of a golf club head according to an example of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a front and top perspective view of the face portion of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of the face portion taken at lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  depicts an enlarged view of area  12  of the face portion of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  depicts an enlarged view of area  13  of the face portion of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 14  depicts an enlarged view of area  14  of the face portion of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  depicts a perspective schematic view of a projection of the face portion of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 16  depicts a method of manufacturing a face portion according to an example of the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 17  depicts another method of manufacturing a face portion according to an example of the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a front perspective view of a golf club head according to an example of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 19  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  depicts a front perspective view of a hosel portion according to an example of the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 21  depicts a front view of the hosel portion of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  depicts a rear view of the hosel portion of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  depicts a left view of the hosel portion of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 24  depicts a right view of the hosel portion of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 25  depicts a front perspective view of a hosel portion according to an example of the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 26  depicts a front perspective view of a hosel portion according to an example of the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 27  depicts a front perspective view of a hosel portion according to an example of the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 28  depicts a front perspective view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 18  including the hosel portion depicted in  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 29  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 28  taken at lines  30 - 30  of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 31  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 28  taken at lines  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 32  depicts a method of assembling a golf club head according to an example of the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 33  depicts front perspective view of a golf club head according to an example of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 34  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33  taken at lines  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  depicts an exploded view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 36  depicts a method of assembling a golf club head according to an example of the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. 
     
    
    
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures may not be depicted to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of examples of the present disclosure. 
     DESCRIPTION 
     In general, golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , a golf club  100  may include a golf club head  110 , a shaft  120  extending from the golf club head  110 , and a grip  130  at the butt end of the shaft  120 . The golf club  100  may be a blade-type putter, a mid-mallet-type putter, a mallet-type putter, or any other putter-type golf club. The particular putter-type may be determined based on an individual&#39;s putting stroke. While the golf club  100  is shown in a right-handed configuration, the teachings of the present disclosure may be readily adapted to a left-handed golf club. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 2-8 , a golf club head  200  similar to the golf club head  110  of  FIG. 1  is shown and may include a body portion  210  having a toe portion  230 , a heel portion  240 , a front portion  250  with a face portion  255  (e.g., a strike face) used to impact a golf ball (not shown), a rear portion  260 , a top portion  270 , and a sole portion  280 . The toe and heel portions  230  and  240 , respectively, may be on opposite ends of the body portion  210  and may define a length of the body portion  210 . The front and rear portions  250  and  260 , respectively, may be on opposite ends of the body portion  210  and may define a width of the body portion  210 . The body portion  210  may be partially or entirely made of a steel-based material (e.g., 303 stainless steel), a titanium-based material, a magnesium-based material, an aluminum-based material (e.g., a high-strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high-strength alloy), a tungsten-based material, any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of materials. Alternatively, the body portion  210  may be partially or entirely made of a non-metal material (e.g., composite, plastic, etc.). In one example, the body portion  210  may be entirely made of a steel-based material with a Rockwell hardness of 70-90 HRB. In another example, the body portion  210  may be entirely made of an aluminum-based material with a Rockwell hardness of 50-70 HRB. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The face portion  255  may be an integral portion of the body portion  210  (e.g., formed via a milling process). Alternatively, the face portion  255  may be a separate piece or an insert coupled to the body portion  210  via various manufacturing and/or processes (e.g., a bonding process, a welding process, a brazing process, a mechanical locking method, a mechanical fastening method, any combination thereof, or other suitable types of manufacturing methods and/or processes). The face portion  255  may be associated with a loft plane that defines the loft angle of the golf club head  110 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The golf club head  200  may also include a hosel portion  290  at the top portion  270  or elsewhere on the body portion  210 . The hosel portion  290  may be an integral portion of the body portion  210 . Alternatively, the hosel portion  290  may be a separate piece coupled to the body portion  210  via various manufacturing and/or processes (e.g., a bonding process, a welding process, a brazing process, a mechanical locking method, a mechanical fastening method, any combination thereof, or other suitable types of manufacturing methods and/or processes). The hosel portion  290  may be partially or entirely made of a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, a magnesium-based material, an aluminum-based material (e.g., a high-strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high-strength alloy), a tungsten-based material, any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of materials. Alternatively, the hosel portion  290  may be partially or entirely made of a non-metal material (e.g., composite, plastic, etc.). In one example, the hosel portion  290  may be entirely made of a steel-based material with a Rockwell hardness of 70-90 HRB. In another example, the hosel portion  290  may be entirely made of an aluminum-based material with a Rockwell hardness of 50-70 HRB. Accordingly, the hosel portion  290  may be made from the same material or a different material as the body portion  210 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The body portion  210  may include a visual guide portion  300  to aid an individual in lining up the golf club head  200  with his or her intended target line. The visual guide portion  300  may be provided at or proximate the top portion  270  and may extend between the front and rear portions  250  and  260 . The visual guide portion  300  is exemplarily shown as a recessed line substantially equidistant from the toe portion  230  and the heel portion  240 . The visual guide portion  300  may have a distinct color, marking, and/or other visual feature(s) so as to be visually distinguished from the surrounding portions of the body portion  210 . In other examples (not shown), the body portion  210  may be configured with more than one visual guide portion. Alternatively, the body portion  210  may be configured with no visual guide portion at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The body portion  210  may include a first set of weight ports  510  (e.g., shown as weight ports  511  and  512 ) and/or a second set of weight ports  520  (e.g., shown as weight ports  521 ,  522 ,  523 ,  524 ,  525 , and  526 ) at the sole portion  280 . The first set of weight ports  510  may be closer to the front portion  250  than to the rear portion  260 . One or more weight ports (e.g., shown as weight port  511 ) of the first set of weight ports  510  may be closer to the heel portion  240  than to the toe portion  230 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more weight ports (e.g., shown as weight port  512 ) may be located closer to the toe portion  230  than to the heel portion  240 . The second set of weight ports  520  may be closer to the rear portion  260  than to the front portion  250 . One or more weight port (e.g., shown as weight ports  521 ,  522 , and  523 ) of the second set of weight ports  520  may be closer to the heel portion  240  than to the toe portion  230 . The weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520  located closer to the heel portion  240  may be evenly or unevenly spaced to form a dotted line extending between the heel portion  240  and the toe portion  230 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more weight port (e.g., shown as weight ports  524 ,  525 , and  526 ) of the second set of weight ports  520  may be closer to the toe portion  230  than to the heel portion  240 . The weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520  located closer to the toe portion  230  may be evenly or unevenly spaced to form a dotted line extending between the toe portion  230  and the heel portion  240 . The weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520  may be linearly aligned and may be parallel or substantially parallel with the face portion  255 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The first and second set of weight ports  510  and  520 , respectively, may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., shape, size, etc.). While the weight ports of the first set of weight ports  510  are shown as being larger (e.g., in diameter and volume) than the weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520 , the opposite may hold true in alternative examples. Additionally or alternatively, size differences may exist between weight ports of the first set of weight ports  510  and/or between weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520 . While the weight ports of the first and second sets of weight ports  510  and  520 , respectively, are shown as having a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cross-section), any number of weight ports of the first set of weight ports  510  may have a shape that is similar to or different from a shape of any number of weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520 . While the weight ports of the first and second sets of weight ports  510  and  520 , respectively, are shown in a particular location at the sole portion  280 , the location of one or more weight ports of the first set of weight ports  510  and/or the second set of weight ports  520  may be changed in alternative examples. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each weight port of the first set of weight ports  510  may be configured to receive a weight portion of a first set of weight portions  530  (e.g., shown as weight portions  531  and  532 ). The weight portions of the first set of weight portions  530  may have a cylindrical shape to complement the shape of the weight ports of the first set of weight ports  510 . The weight portions of the first set of weight portions  530  may be interchangeable with one another. As such, each weight port of the first set of weight ports  510  may be configured to interchangeably receive any of the weight portions of the first set of weight portions  530 . While the first set of weight ports  510  is shown totaling two in number, the first set of weight ports  510  may have more or less than two weight ports in alternative examples. Accordingly, the number of weight portions of the first set of weight portions  530  may increase or decrease to match the number of weight ports of the first set of weight ports  510 . In some examples, one or more weight ports of the first set of weight ports  510  may be left unoccupied if desired. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each weight port of the second set of weight ports  520  may be configured to receive a weight portion of a second set of weight portions  540  (e.g., shown as weight portions  541 ,  542 ,  543 ,  544 ,  545 , and  546 ). The weight portions of the second set of weight portions  540  may have a cylindrical shape to complement the shape of the weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520 . The weight portions of the second set of weight portions  540  may be interchangeable with one another. As such, each weight port of the second set of weight ports  520  may be configured to interchangeably receive any of the weight portions of the second set of weight portions  540 . While the second set of weight ports  520  is shown totaling six in number, the second set of weight ports  520  may have more or less than six weight ports in alternative examples. Accordingly, the number of weight portions of the second set of weight portions  540  may increase or decrease to match the number of weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520 . In some examples, one or more weight ports of the second set of weight ports  520  may be left unoccupied if desired. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The first and second sets of weight portions  530  and  540 , respectively, may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., color, shape, size, density, mass, volume, etc.). As a result, the first and second sets of weight portions  530  and  540 , respectively, may contribute to the functional and/or ornamental design of the golf club head  200 . For example, the first and second sets of weight portions  530  and  540 , respectively, may be partially or entirely made of a high-density material such as a tungsten-based material or other suitable types of materials. In the example of  FIGS. 2-8 , the first and second sets of weight portions  530  and  540 , respectively, may be tungsten-allow screws. In another example, the first and second sets of weight portions  530  and  540 , respectively, may be made of a tungsten-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, or any combination thereof. In yet another example, the first and second sets of weight portions  530  and  540 , respectively, may be partially or entirely made of a non-metal material (e.g., composite, plastic, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 9-15 , a face portion  900  of a golf club head including any golf club head described herein may include a strike portion  910 , a toe portion  930  having a toe edge  931 , a heel portion  940  having a heel edge  941 , a top portion  970  having a top edge  971 , a sole portion  980  having a sole edge  981 , and a center strike portion  985 . The toe edge  931 , the heel edge  941 , the top edge  971 , and the sole edge  981  may define a periphery or perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . The center strike portion  985  may be located inside the perimeter  990  and may include a geometric center  991  of the face portion  900 . In one example, the face portion  900  may be co-manufactured with a body portion (e.g., body portion  210 ) of a golf club head (e.g., golf club head  200 ) to be an integral part of the body portion of the golf club head (e.g., milling and/or other techniques such as grinding, etching, laser milling, etc. to the body portion). In another example, the face portion  900  may be a separate piece from a body portion of a golf club and attached to the body portion by welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, press fitting, and/or other suitable attachment methods. In yet another example, the face portion  900  may be a separate piece from a body portion of a golf club head and attached to the body portion by one or more fasteners such as bolts and/or screws. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The strike portion  910  of the face portion  900  may partially or entirely include a plurality of projections  1000  (e.g., two projections generally shown in  FIGS. 9-13  as  1001  and  1002 ). In the example of  FIGS. 9-15 , the entire strike portion  910  of the face portion  80  may include the plurality of projections  1000 . In another example, the strike portion  910  of the face portion  900  may partially include the plurality of projections  1000 . In one example, the face portion  900  may be a separate piece and the strike portion  910  may be located opposite a back portion  1010  ( FIG. 11 ) of the face portion  900 . The back portion  1010  may be coupled to and/or in contact with a filler material that may at least partially structurally support the face portion  900 , dampen noise, and/or reduce vibration when the face portion  900  strikes a golf ball as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 9-15 , each one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be separated from and linearly aligned with an adjacent projection by one of a plurality of grooves  1020  (e.g., one groove generally shown in  FIGS. 11-13  as  1021 ). The plurality of grooves  1020  may be arranged on the strike portion  910  of the face portion  900  in a grid pattern with each grid cell corresponding to one of the plurality of projections  1000  (e.g., one projection shown in  FIG. 15  as  1001 ). In other words, the plurality of projections  1000  may be configured on the strike portion  910  of the face portion  900  in an array defined by the plurality of grooves  1020 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The plurality of grooves  1020  may include a first plurality of grooves  1030  ( FIG. 14 ) and a second plurality of grooves  1040  ( FIG. 14 ). The first plurality of grooves  1030  may include two or more grooves (e.g., generally shown in  FIG. 14  as grooves  1032  and  1033 ) extending across the strike portion  910  in a first direction (e.g., as indicated in  FIG. 14  by direction arrows  1050  and  1055  associated with grooves  1032  and  1033 , respectively). The second plurality of grooves  1040  may include two or more grooves (e.g., generally shown in  FIG. 14  as grooves  1044  and  1045 ) extending across the strike portion  910  in a second direction (e.g., as indicated in  FIG. 14  by direction arrows  1060  and  1065  associated with grooves  1044  and  1045 , respectively). The second direction may be different from the first direction. In one example, the second direction may be transverse to the first direction. Each one of the first plurality of grooves  1030  (e.g., groove  1032 ) may be linear and may be parallel or substantially parallel with each other one of the first plurality of grooves  1030  (e.g., groove  1033 ). Similarly, each one of the second plurality of grooves  1040  (e.g., groove  1044 ) may be linear and may be parallel or substantially parallel with each other one of the second plurality of grooves  1040  (e.g., groove  1045 ). In another example (not shown), each one of the first plurality of grooves  1030  (e.g., groove  1032 ) may be non-linear and/or non-parallel with each other one of the first plurality of grooves  1030 . Similarly, each one of the second plurality of grooves  1040  (e.g., groove  1044 ) may be non-linear and/or non-parallel with each other one of the second plurality of grooves  1040  (e.g., groove  1045 ). The first plurality of grooves  1030  may intersect with the second plurality of grooves  1040 . In one example, one or more grooves of the first plurality of grooves  1030  and one or more grooves of the second plurality of grooves  1040  may intersect a horizontal centerline axis  1070  ( FIG. 9 ) of the face portion  900  at a 45 degree angle. In another example, one or more grooves of the first plurality of grooves  1030  and one or more grooves of the second plurality of grooves  1040  may intersect the horizontal centerline axis  1070  at a 60 degree angle. In yet another example, one or more grooves of the first plurality of grooves  1030  and one or more grooves of the second plurality of grooves  1040  may intersect the horizontal centerline axis  1070  at a 30 degree angle. In yet another example, one or more grooves of the first plurality of grooves  1030  and one or more grooves of the second plurality of grooves  1040  may intersect the horizontal centerline axis  1070  at any angle. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     As generally indicated in  FIG. 14  by direction arrows  1050  and  1055 , the first direction may include a first diagonal direction extending upwardly from left-to-right across the face portion  900 . Accordingly, the first plurality of grooves  1030  may include grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  extending in the first direction between the toe edge  931  and the top edge  971 , between the sole edge  981  and the top edge  971 , and between the sole edge  981  and the heel edge  941 . The second direction, as generally indicated in  FIG. 14  by direction arrows  1060  and  1065 , may include a second diagonal direction extending upwardly from right-to-left across the strike portion  910  of the face portion  900 . Accordingly, the second plurality of grooves  1040  may include grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  extending in the second direction between the heel edge  941  and the top edge  971 , between the sole edge  981  and the top edge  971 , and between the sole edge  981  and the toe edge  931 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a groove, generally shown as groove  1021 , may have a truncated V-shaped cross section, or said differently, an inverted trapezoidal cross section. The groove  1021  may have a depth  1110  and a variable width that transitions from a lowermost width  1112  to an uppermost width  1113 . In one example, the width of the groove  1021  linearly transitions from the lowermost width  1112  to the uppermost width  1113 . The depth  1110  may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.010 inch (0.254 millimeters) and less than or equal to approximately 0.020 inch (0.508 millimeters). The lowermost width  1112 , as measured between base portions (e.g., a base portion  1210  of projection  1001  is shown in  FIG. 15 ) of adjacent projections (e.g., projections  1001  and  1002 ) of the plurality of projections  1000 , may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.010 inch (0.254 millimeters) and less than or equal to approximately 0.012 inch (0.305 millimeters). The uppermost width  1113 , as measured between peak portions (e.g., a peak portion  1220  of projection  1001  is shown in  FIG. 15 ) of adjacent projections (e.g., projections  1001  and  1002 ), may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.021 inch (0.533 millimeters) and less than or equal to approximately 0.036 inch (0.914 millimeters). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each groove of the plurality of grooves  1020  may have a cross section similar to groove  1021  (see  FIG. 12 ). As described herein, the plurality of projections  1000  may be defined by the arrangement of the plurality of grooves  1020 . In one example, the resulting geometric shape of each one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be a pyramidal frustum. The distance between adjacent projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may be defined by the width of a groove of the plurality of grooves  1020  extending therebetween. For example, the distance between adjacent projections  1001  and  1002  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be defined by the width of groove  1021  of the plurality of grooves  1020 . In one example, each groove of the plurality of grooves  1020  may have the same or substantially the same width, whether the width be constant or variable. Accordingly, distances between adjacent projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar or substantially similar. In another example (not shown), some or all of the grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  may have different widths. Accordingly, the distance between adjacent projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may also be different. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     While not shown, the face portion  900  may be configured such that one or more of the plurality of projections  1000  have other geometric shapes. For example, one or more of the plurality of projections  1000  may be a cube or cuboid. Accordingly, the corresponding grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  may be an intersecting array of grooves that define one or more cubic or cuboidal grid cells. In another example, one or more of the plurality of projections  1000  may be a triangular pyramidal frustum. Accordingly, the corresponding grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  may be an intersecting array of grooves that define one or more triangular grid cells. In yet another example, one or more of the plurality of projections  1000  may be a pentagonal pyramidal frustum. Accordingly, the corresponding grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  may be an intersecting array of grooves that define one or more pentagonal grid cells. In yet another example, one or more of the plurality of projections  1000  may be a hexagonal pyramidal frustum. Accordingly, the corresponding grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  may be an intersecting array of grooves that define one or more hexagonal grid cells. In yet another example, one or more of the plurality of projections  1000  may be any regular or irregular polygonal pyramidal frustum. In yet another example, one or more of the plurality of projections  1000  may be a conical frustum (e.g., having circular or elliptical base portion). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , a projection, generally shown as projection  1001 , may be a square or rectangular pyramidal frustum having a base portion  1210  proximal to the face portion  900 , a peak portion  1220  distal to the face portion  900 , and a height  1230 . The base portion  1210  may include edges  1211 ,  1212 ,  1213 , and  1214 , and the peak portion  1220  may include edges  1221 ,  1222 ,  1223 , and  1224 . The length of edge  1211  or edge  1213  of the base portion  1210  may correspond to a distance (e.g., distance  1120  in  FIG. 14 ) separating two successive grooves of one of the first plurality of grooves  1030  and the second plurality of grooves  1040 . The length of edge  1212  or edge  1214  of the base portion  1210  may correspond to the distance separating two successive grooves of the other one of the first plurality of grooves  1030  and the second plurality of grooves  1040 . The base portion  1210  may be connected to the peak portion  1220  via at least one side wall generally shown as side walls  1225 ,  1226 ,  1227 , and  1228 . The peak portion  1220  may be flat or textured and may have a smaller area than the base portion  1210 . Accordingly, the projection  1001  may taper in a direction from the base portion  1210  to the peak portion  1220 . For example, each of the side walls  1225 ,  1226 ,  1227 , and  1228 , respectively, may be trapezoidal and may extend inwardly from the base portion  1210  to the peak portion  1220 . Said differently, the area of the projection  1001  may gradually diminish when transitioning from the base portion  1210  to the peak portion  1220 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each projection of the plurality of projections  1000  may be oriented on the face portion  900  such that the diagonals of the corresponding base portion  1210  and peak portion  1220  generally point in horizontal and vertical directions along the face portion  900  when directly viewing the strike portion  910 . Accordingly, the projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may be linearly aligned in one or more diagonal directions across the strike portion  910  of the face portion  900 . Linearly aligned projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may extend diagonally from the toe portion  930  to the top portion  970 , from the toe portion  930  to the sole portion  980 , from the top portion  970  to the sole portion  980 , from the heel portion  940  to the top portion  970 , from the heel portion  940  to the sole portion  980 , or a combination thereof. As described herein, the grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  may also extend diagonally from the toe portion  930  to the top portion  970 , from the toe portion  930  to the sole portion  980 , from the top portion  970  to the sole portion  980 , from the heel portion  940  to the top portion  970 , from the heel portion  940  to the sole portion  980 , or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the projections of the plurality of projections  1000  and the grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  may be vertically and/or horizontally configured on the strike portion  910  of the face portion  900 . For example, at least a portion of the projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may be substantially aligned in one or more horizontal and/or vertical directions across the strike portion  910  of the face portion  900 . In another example, the projections of the plurality of projections  1000  and the grooves of the plurality of grooves  1020  may have curved configurations on the strike portion  910  of the face portion  900 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The sizes (e.g., volumes) of the plurality of projections  1000  may change in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . In one example, the areas of the peak portions  1220  of the plurality of projections  1000  may successively increase in any direction moving from the central portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . Additionally, or alternatively, the areas of the base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may successively increase in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . Accordingly, a smallest one of the plurality of projections  1000  (e.g., projection  1001 ) may be located at the center strike portion  985 , and more particularly, at or proximate the geometric center  991  of the face portion  900 , whereas a largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be located farthest from the center strike portion  985 , typically at or proximate the toe edge  931  and/or the heel edge  941 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     At least two projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may have similar sizes if they are located on a line passing through the geometric center  991  and are equidistant to the geometric center  991 . For purposes of illustration,  FIG. 9  shows a vertical centerline axis  1240  extending between the top edge  971  and the sole edge  981  and passing through the geometric center  991 .  FIG. 9  also shows the horizontal centerline axis  1070  extending between the toe edge  931  and the heel edge  941  and passing through the geometric center  991 . At least two projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may have similar sizes due to being located on the vertical centerline axis  1240  and equidistant to the geometric center  991 . For example, the two projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may include a first projection  1003  on the vertical centerline axis  1240  at or proximate the top edge  971  and a second projection  1004  on the vertical centerline axis  1240  at or proximate the sole edge  981 , the first and second projections  1003  and  1004  being equidistant to the geometric center  991 . Likewise, at least two projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may have similar sizes if they are located on the horizontal centerline axis  1070  and are equidistant to the geometric center  991 . For example, the two projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may include a first projection  1005  on the horizontal centerline axis  1070  at or proximate the toe edge  931  and a second projection  1006  on the horizontal centerline axis  1070  at or proximate the heel edge  941 , the first and second projections  1005  and  1006  being equidistant to the geometric center  991 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be a square or rectangular pyramidal frustum of similar height  1230 . The total areas of the base portions  1210  and peak portions  1220  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be approximately 2.15 square inches (1387.09 square millimeters) and 1.04 square inches (670.97 square millimeters), respectively. Accordingly, the total areas of the peak portions  1220  may be less than half the total areas of the base portions  1210 . Alternatively, the total areas of the peak portions  1220  may be equal to or greater than half the total areas of the base portions  1210 . As described herein, the smallest one of the plurality of projections  1000  (e.g., projection  1001 ) may be located at the center strike portion  985  and may be located at or proximate the geometric center  991  of the face portion  900 . In one example, an area ratio between the base portion  1210  and the peak portion  1220  of the smallest one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be approximately 4.16 or more generally ranging from 4.0 to 5.0. However, area ratios outside the foregoing range are also possible. The largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  on the vertical centerline axis  1240  of the face portion  900  may be located at or proximate the top edge  971  and/or the sole edge  981 . For example, the largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  on the vertical centerline axis  1240  may correspond to two projections (e.g., projections  1003  and  1004 ) equidistant to the geometric center  991  of the face portion  900  and oppositely located at or proximate the top edge  971  and the sole edge  981 , respectively. In one example, the area ratio between the base portion  1210  and the peak portion  1220  belonging to the largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  on the vertical centerline axis  1240  may be approximately 2.68 or more generally ranging from 2.0 to 3.0. However, area ratios outside the foregoing range are also possible. The largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  on the horizontal centerline axis  1070  of the face portion  900  may be located at or proximate the toe edge  931  and/or the heel edge  941 . For example, the largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  located on the horizontal centerline axis  1070  may correspond to two projections (e.g., projections  1005  and  1006 ) equidistant to the geometric center  991  of the face portion  900  and oppositely located at or proximate the toe edge  931  and the heel edge  941 , respectively. In one example, the area ratio between the base portion  1210  and the peak portion  1220  belonging to the largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  on the horizontal centerline axis  1070  may be approximately 1.61 or more generally ranging from 1.0 to 2.0. However, area ratios outside the foregoing range are also possible. Accordingly, the area ratio between the base portion  1210  and the peak portion  1220  of a projection of the plurality of projections  1000  may be inversely related to the size of the projection. In other words, the larger a projection is, the smaller is the area ratio between the base portion  1210  and the peak portion  1220  of the projection. Said differently still, in examples where the base portions  1210  and the peak portions  1220  of the plurality of projections  1000  successively increase in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 , the corresponding area ratios between the base portions  1210  and the peak portions  1220  of the plurality of projections  1000  may successively decrease in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     At least one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be a different size compared to at least one other projection of the plurality of projections  1000  positioned adjacently leftward, rightward, above, below, or at a diagonal with respect thereto. The difference in sizing between two adjacent projections of the plurality of projections  1000  (e.g., projections  1001  and  1002 ) may result from differences between the areas of their base portions  1210  and/or peak portions  1220 . Additionally, or alternatively, the difference in sizing between two adjacent projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may result from differences in height  1230 . A change in size between two or more projections of the plurality of projections  1000  successively aligned in a substantially horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction across the face portion  900  may be based on a relative proximity between each of the two or more projections of the plurality of projections  1000  and the center strike portion  985 . In one example, the two or more successively aligned projections of the plurality of projections  1000  may successively increase in size in the substantially horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . Accordingly, the largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be located farthest from the center strike portion  985 , generally at or about the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 , and more particularly, at or proximate the toe edge  931  or the heel edge  941  of the face portion  900 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example, two or more of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar or substantially similar in height such that the peak portions  1220  associated therewith may each provide a ball striking surface. In another example, the plurality of projections  1000  may increase in height  1230  in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . In yet another example, the plurality of projections  1000  may decrease in height in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . In yet another example, the plurality of projections  1000  may increase, decrease, or otherwise vary in height in one or more directions on the face portion  900 . Accordingly, the depths  1110  of the plurality of grooves  1020  may vary based on the heights  1230  of the plurality of projections  1000 , or vice versa. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     A rate of change of the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the toe edge  931  and in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the heel edge  941 . In another example, the rate of change of the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the top edge  971  and in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the sole edge  981 . In yet another example, the rate of change of the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality projections  1000  may be similar in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the toe edge  931 , in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the heel edge  941 , in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the top edge  971 , and in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the sole edge  981 . In yet another example, the rate of change of the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar and/or vary in any direction (e.g., horizontal, vertical, diagonal, etc.) moving from the center strike portion  985  to any location on the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The change in areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900  may be a function of a distance between the location of the plurality of projections  1000  on the face portion  900  and the center strike portion  985 . Accordingly, the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may successively increase moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900  according to a function based on the distance of the projections  1000  from the center strike portion  985 . In one example, the change in areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900  may be a linear function of a distance between the location of the plurality of projections  1000  on the face portion  900  and the center strike portion  985 . In another example, the change in areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900  may be a polynomial function (e.g., a quadratic function or cubic function) of a distance between the location of the plurality of projections  1000  on the face portion  900  and the center strike portion  985 . The areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  may vary from the center strike portion  985  to the toe portion  930 , the heel portion  940 , the top portion  970 , and/or the sole portion  980  according to any relationship based on any physical property of the face portion  900  and/or any physical property of a portion of the face portion  900  (e.g., a location on the face portion  900 ) relative to the center strike portion  985 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The change in areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900  may be defined by the change in a distance  1120  ( FIG. 14 ) between successive grooves of the first plurality of grooves  1030  extending in the first direction and between successive grooves of the second plurality of grooves  1040  extending in the second direction. In one example, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, may successively increase in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . In other words, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, may successively increase moving from the center strike portion  985  to the toe edge  931 , from the center strike portion  985  to the heel edge  941 , moving from the center strike portion  985  to the top edge  971 , and moving from the center strike portion  985  to the sole edge  981 . In one example, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, may increase linearly from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . The distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, may be a linear function of a distance between the location of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, on the face portion  900  and the center strike portion  985 . In another example, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, may be a polynomial function (e.g., a quadratic function or cubic function) of a distance between the location of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, on the face portion  900  and the center strike portion  985 . In another example, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, may successively increase in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  toward the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . In other words, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, may successively increase in one or more of the following directions: from the center strike portion  985  to the toe edge  931 , from the center strike portion  985  to the heel edge  941 , from the center strike portion  985  to the top edge  971 , and from the center strike portion  985  to the sole edge  981 . In yet another example, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, may successively increase at a similar or different rate in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  toward the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . Accordingly, the change in the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040 , respectively, located at or proximate to the toe portion  930 , at or proximate to the heel portion  940 , at or proximate to the top portion  970 , and/or at or proximate to the sole portion  980  may be similar or may vary. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The shape of the plurality of projections  1000 , the configuration of the plurality of grooves  1020 , and/or the change in size (e.g., increase in area of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210 ) of the plurality of projections  1000  from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900  may affect ball speed, control, sound, and/or spin. Striking a golf ball with the face portion  900  as described herein may: (1) improve stroke consistency; (2) result in lower ball speeds, which may result in decreased ball roll out distance; (3) result in heel and toe shots having decreased ball speeds, which may also result in shorter ball roll out distance; (4) allow relatively lower and higher handicap players to strike the ball with different locations on the face portion  900 ; and/or, (5) minimize the amount of ball speed loss for off-center hits toward the toe and/or heel, thereby producing more consistent ball roll out distances for center, toe, and heel shots. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 9-15 , the plurality of grooves  1020  may be darker than the plurality of projections  1000 . A resultant color contrast between the plurality of grooves  1020  and the plurality of projections  1000  may produce an X-shaped visual feature (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ) appearing centrally on the face portion  900  and extending between the top portion  970  and the sole portion  980  of the face portion  900 . The X-shaped visual feature may cross over the geometric center  991  of the face portion  900 , and as such, may generally indicate a sweet spot of the corresponding golf club head in addition to providing the face portion  900  with a unique and attractive aesthetic. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     While the example of the face portion  900  shown in  FIGS. 9-15  generally includes a plurality of projections  1000  increasing in size in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 , other examples (not shown) of the face portion  900  may feature the plurality of projections  1000  decreasing in size in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . For instance, the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  may successively decrease in any direction moving from the central portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . Accordingly, a largest one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be located at the center strike portion  985 , and more particularly, at or proximate the geometric center  991  of the face portion  900 , whereas a smallest one of the plurality of projections  1000  may be located at or proximate the toe edge  931  and/or the heel edge  941 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     A rate of change of the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the toe edge  931  and in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the heel edge  941 . In another example, the rate of change of the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the top edge  971  and in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the sole edge  981 . In yet another example, the rate of change of the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the toe edge  931 , in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the heel edge  941 , in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the top edge  971 , and in a direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the sole edge  981 . In yet another example, the rate of change of the areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  may be similar and/or vary in any direction (i.e., horizontal, vertical, diagonal, etc.) moving from the center strike portion  985  to any location on the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . The change in areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900  may be a linear or polynomial function (e.g., a quadratic function or cubic function) of a distance between the location of the plurality of projections  1000  on the face portion  900  and the center strike portion  985 . Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of projections  1000  may decrease in height  1230  at a fixed or variable rate from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The change in areas of the peak portions  1220  and/or base portions  1210  of the plurality of projections  1000  from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900  may be defined by the change in the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first plurality of grooves  1030  extending in the first direction and between successive grooves of the second plurality of grooves  1040  extending in the second direction. In one example, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040  may successively decrease in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  to the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . In other words, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040  may successively decrease moving from the center strike portion  985  to the toe edge  931 , moving from the center strike portion  985  to the heel edge  941 , moving from the center strike portion  985  to the top edge  971 , and moving from the center strike portion  985  to the sole edge  981 . The distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040  may be a linear or polynomial function (e.g., a quadratic function or cubic function) of a distance between the location of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040  on the face portion  900  and the center strike portion  985 . In another example, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040  may successively decrease in any direction moving from the center strike portion  985  toward the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . In other words, the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040  may successively decrease in one or more of the following directions: from the center strike portion  985  to the toe edge  931 , from the center strike portion  985  to the heel edge  941 , from the center strike portion  985  to the top edge  971 , and from the center strike portion  985  to the sole edge  981 . The distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040  may successively decrease at a similar or different rate in one or more directions moving from the center strike portion  985  toward the perimeter  990  of the face portion  900 . Accordingly, the decrease in the distance  1120  between successive grooves of the first and second plurality of grooves  1030  and  1040  located at or proximate to the toe portion  930 , at or proximate to the heel portion  940 , at or proximate to the top portion  970 , and/or at or proximate to the sole portion  980  may be similar or vary. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , a process  1600  of manufacturing the face portion  900  may include providing a face portion (block  1610 ) having a planar strike portion (i.e., without any grooves). In one example, the face portion  900  may be an integral part of a golf club head. In another example, the face portion  900  may be a separate face insert that may be coupled to a front portion of a golf club head by using adhesive, tape, welding, soldering, fasteners and/or other suitable methods and devices. The process  1600  may include forming a plurality of grooves on the strike portion of the face portion (block  1620 ) with distances between successive grooves of the plurality of grooves changing (e.g., increasing or decreasing) in any direction moving from a center strike portion to a perimeter of the face portion. Alternatively, in another example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , a process  1700  of manufacturing the face portion  900  may include providing a face portion (block  1710 ) having a planar strike portion (i.e., without any grooves), and forming a plurality projections on the strike portion of the face portion (block  1720 ) with the size of the plurality of projections changing (e.g., increasing or decreasing) in any direction from a center strike portion to a perimeter of the face portion. As described herein, each one of the plurality of projections may include a peak portion separated from a base portion by a height. In one example, two or more of the plurality of projections may be pyramidal frustums. The change in size may include a change to the areas of the peak portions of the plurality of projections, a change to the areas of the base portions of the plurality of projections, and/or a change in height of the plurality of projections. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example, the plurality of grooves may be manufactured by milling the face portion. Accordingly, the portions of the face portion that are not milled may form the plurality of projections (e.g., residual portion(s)). In another example, the plurality of grooves may be stamped onto the face portion. In yet another example, the face portion including the plurality of projections and/or the plurality of grooves may be manufactured by forging. In yet another example, the face portion including the plurality of projections and/or the plurality of grooves may be manufactured by casting. In yet another example, the plurality of projections and/or the plurality of grooves may be manufactured by press forming. In yet another example, the plurality of projections and/or the plurality of grooves may be manufactured by laser and/or thermal etching or eroding of the face material. In yet another example, the plurality of projections and/or the plurality of grooves may be manufactured by chemically eroding the face material using photo masks. In yet another example, the plurality of projections and/or the plurality of grooves may be manufactured by electro/chemically eroding the face material using a chemical mask such as wax or a petrochemical substance. In yet another example, the plurality of projections and/or the plurality of grooves may be manufactured by abrading the face material using air or water as the carry medium of the abrasion material such as sand. Any one or a combination of the methods discussed above can be used to manufacture one or more of the plurality of projections and/or the plurality of grooves on the face portion. In some examples, the plurality of projections may be a different color than the plurality of grooves. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a golf club head  1800  may include a body portion  1810  having a toe portion  1830 , a heel portion  1840 , a front portion  1850  with a face portion  1855  (e.g., similar to face portion  900 ), a rear portion  1860 , a top portion  1870 , a sole portion (not shown), one or more visual guides (e.g., shown as visual guide  1885 ), and one or more sets of weight ports (not shown) and corresponding sets of weight portions (not shown) as described herein. The body portion  1810  may be made from any of the materials described herein with respect to the body portion  210  in the example of  FIGS. 2-8 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The body portion  1810  may also include a cavity  1890  configured to receive a hosel portion (not shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 ). The cavity  1890  may be located at the top portion  1870 . In one example, the cavity  1890  may be located at a recessed area  1892  of the top portion  1870  proximate the front portion  1850  and the heel portion  1840 . The cavity  1890  may have an opening  1895  with a rounded rectangular shape. Alternatively, the opening  1895  of the cavity  1890  may have a different shape such as, but not limited to, circular, square, rounded square, triangular, rounded triangular, oval, rectangular, or any other shape that is suitable for receiving a hosel portion therein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In  FIGS. 20-27 , hosel portions having different neck configurations are shown for exemplary purposes. In the example of  FIGS. 20-24 , a hosel portion  2000  is shown including a neck portion  2010  having a double bend configuration. In the example of  FIG. 25 , a hosel portion  2500  is shown including a neck portion  2510  having a single bend configuration. In the example of  FIG. 26 , a hosel portion  2600  is shown including a neck portion  2610  having a slanted configuration. In the example of  FIG. 27 , a hosel portion  2700  is shown including a neck portion  2710  having a plumber&#39;s neck configuration. In the examples of  FIGS. 20-26 , the neck portions  2010 ,  2510 , and  2610  may include corresponding stem portions  2020 ,  2520 , and  2620 . In the example of  FIG. 27 , the neck portion  2710  may include a bore portion  2720 . The stem portions  2020 ,  2520 , and  2620  and the bore portion  2720  are each capable of receiving a shaft (not shown). The hosel portions  2000 ,  2500 ,  2600 , and  2700  may also include corresponding insert portions  2030 ,  2530 ,  2630 , and  2730  that are each capable of being received in the cavity  1890  of the body portion  1810  shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . The insert portions  2030 ,  2530 ,  2630 , and  2730  may be similarly configured to complement the shape of the cavity  1890 . For example, the insert portions  2030 ,  2530 ,  2630 , and  2730  may have a cross-section with a rounded rectangular shape. In other examples, the insert portions  2030 ,  2530 ,  2630 , and  2730  may have other cross-sectional shapes based on the particular shape of the cavity  1890 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The hosel portions  2000 ,  2500 ,  2600 , and  2700  may be partially or entirely made of a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, an aluminum-based material (e.g., a high-strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high-strength alloy), a tungsten-based material, any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of materials. Alternatively, the hosel portions  2000 ,  2500 ,  2600 , and  2700  may be partially or entirely made of a non-metal material (e.g., composite, plastic, etc.). In one example, the hosel portions  2000 ,  2500 ,  2600 , and  2700  may be entirely made of a steel-based material (e.g., 303 stainless steel) with a Rockwell hardness of 70-90 HRB. In another example, the hosel portions  2000 ,  2500 ,  2600 , and  2700  may be entirely made of an aluminum-based material with a Rockwell hardness of 50-70 HRB. In one example, the hosel portions  2000 ,  2500 ,  2600 , and  2700  may be made from the same material or a different material as the body portion  1810  of the club head  1800  shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 28-31 , the golf club head  1800  of  FIGS. 18 and 19  is shown with the hosel portion  2000  of  FIGS. 20-24  assembled to the body portion  1810 . Alternatively, any one of the other hosel portions  2500 ,  2600 , and  2700  shown in  FIGS. 25-27  may be similarly assembled to the body portion  1810  in the place of the hosel portion  2000 . During assembly, the insert portion  2030  of the hosel portion  2000  is received inside the cavity  1890  of the body portion  1810 . The hosel portion  2000  may be engaged to the body portion  1810  through an interference fit established with the cavity  1890  to ensure proper positioning (i.e., centering the insert portion  2030  of the hosel portion  2000  in the cavity  1890 ) of the hosel portion  2000  and to provide a seamless aesthetic between the hosel portion  2000  and the body portion  1810 . In the example of  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the neck portion  2010  of the hosel portion  2000  may include a transition portion  3000  that diminishes in thickness or tapers toward the insert portion  2030 . The transition portion  3000  may frictionally engage one or more side walls (e.g., shown as side walls  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 , and  3016 ) of the cavity  1890  at or proximate the opening  1895  to provide an interference fit between the transition portion  3000  and the side walls of the cavity  1890 . The insert portion  2030  of the hosel portion  2000  may be spaced apart from the interior structure of the cavity  1890 . Accordingly, the insert portion  2030  may be spaced from the side walls  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 , and  3016  and a base  3018  from which they extend. In one example, the insert portion  2030  may be closer to the side walls  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 , and  3016  than to the base  3018 . The resulting space inside the cavity  1890  surrounding the insert portion  2030  may be partially or entirely filled with an epoxy  3020  or other adhesive to hold the insert portion  2030  in place, thereby securing the hosel portion  2000  to the body portion  1810 . Accordingly, the hosel portion  2000  may be secured to the body portion  1810  without the need of any mechanical fasteners such as screws and the like. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The insert portion  2030  may include one or more channels (e.g., shown as channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053 ) encircling the insert portion  2030 . The channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may be concentric about a longitudinal axis  3060  of the insert portion  2030 . The channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may engage with the epoxy  3020  inside the cavity  1890  and serve as a mechanical locking mechanism between the insert portion  2030  and the epoxy  3020 . The channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may include a square-shaped cross section or other cross section (e.g., U-shaped, V-shaped, T-shaped, triangle-shaped, sawtooth-shaped). A cross section of the channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may be evenly or unevenly spaced apart in a longitudinal direction along the insert portion  2030 . The channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may be located on the insert portion  2030  such that the insert portion  2030  alternates between two or more portions with differing perimeter sizes, thereby providing the insert portion  2030  with greater surface area with which to engage the epoxy  3020 . For example, the channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may be located on the insert portion  2030  such that the insert portion  2030  alternates between a first portion  3055  and a second portion  3056 . The first portion  3055  may have a larger perimeter than the second portion  3056  or vice versa. In one example, the channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may have a depth of approximately 0.010 inch and a width of approximately 0.040 inch. In alternative examples, the channels  3051 ,  3052 , and  3053  may have different depths and/or widths. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example, the cavity  1890  may have a length of approximately 0.372 inch, a width of approximately 0.260 inch, and a depth of approximately 0.470 inch. In one example, a first spacing between the transition portion  3000  of the neck portion  2010  and each of the side walls  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 , and  3016  may gradually increase up to approximately 0.010 inch in a direction toward the base  3018 . A second spacing between the first portion(s)  3055  of the insert portion  2030  and each of the side walls  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 , and  3016  may be approximately 0.010 inch. A third spacing between the second portion(s)  3056  of the insert portion  2030  and each of the side walls  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 , and  3016  may be approximately 0.020 inch. A fourth spacing between a lower portion  3070  of the insert portion  2030  and each of the side walls  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 , and  3016  may gradually increase from approximately 0.010 inch to approximately 0.030 inch in a direction toward the base  3018 . A fifth spacing between a terminal end  3075  of the lower portion  3070  and the base  3018  may be approximately 0.040 inch. The transition portion  3000  of the neck portion  2010  may be tapered at a first angle to define the gradual increase in the first spacing in a direction toward the base  3018 . The lower portion  3070  may be tapered at a second angle to define the gradual increase in the fourth spacing in a direction toward the base  3018 . The first angle may be greater than, equal to, or less than the second angle. In one example, the transition portion  3000  may be tapered at approximately five degrees relative to longitudinal axis  3060 , and the lower portion  3070  may be tapered at approximately forty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis  3060 . Accordingly, the spacing between the insert portion  2030  and the base  3018  may be generally greater than the spacing between the insert portion  2030  and any of the side walls  3010 ,  3012 ,  3014 , and  3016 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIG. 32 , a method  3200  of assembling a golf club head is generally shown by blocks  3210 - 3240 . At block  3210 , a body portion is provided and may be selected from a plurality of body portions. Each of the plurality of body portions may be a putter-type body having a cavity similar to the cavity  1890  shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . The plurality of body portions may include one or more blade-type putter bodies, one or more mid-mallet-type putter bodies, one or more mallet-type putter bodies, and/or any other putter-type bodies. At block  3220 , a hosel portion is provided and may be selected from a plurality of hosel portions. The plurality of hosel portions may include any one of the hosel portions  2000 ,  2500 ,  2600 , and  2700  of  FIGS. 20-27 , respectively, and/or any other hosel portion types. Each of the plurality of hosel portions may include either a stem or a bore portion, a neck portion, and an insert portion capable of being received in the cavity of any one of the plurality of body portions. At block  3230 , the selected hosel portion may be attached to the selected body portion. The selected hosel portion may be attached to the selected body portion by press-fitting the selected hosel portion into the cavity of the selected body portion such that the insert portion of the selected hosel portion is received inside the cavity and an interference fit is established between the neck portion of the selected hosel portion and the cavity of the selected body portion. At block  3240 , the selected hosel portion may be secured to the selected body portion. The selected hosel portion may be secured to the selected body portion using an epoxy or other adhesive to hold the insert portion of the selected hosel portion in place inside the cavity of the selected body portion. The cavity of the selected body portion may be partially filled with the epoxy or other adhesive prior to attaching the selected hosel portion to the selected body portion at block  3230 . Additionally, or alternatively, the epoxy or other adhesive may be applied to the insert portion of the selected hosel portion prior to attaching the selected hosel portion to the selected body portion at block  3230 . Accordingly, the method  3200  outlined above may provide a variety of combinations between the plurality of body portions and the plurality of hosel portions. As such, a golf club head may be assembled by selecting a body portion and a hosel portion that are optimized to a particular player&#39;s putting stroke. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 33-35 , a golf club head  3300  may include a body portion  3310  having a toe portion  3330 , a heel portion  3340 , a front portion  3350  with a face portion  3355 , a rear portion  3360 , a top portion  3370 , and a sole portion  3380 . The body portion  3310  may be made from any of the materials described herein. The face portion  3355  may be similar in many or all respects to the face portion  900  shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The face portion  3355  may be an integral portion of the body portion  3310 . Alternatively, the face portion  3355  may be a separate piece or an insert coupled to the body portion  3310  via various manufacturing and/or processes (e.g., a bonding process, a welding process, a brazing process, a mechanical locking method, a mechanical fastening method, any combination thereof, or other suitable types of manufacturing methods and/or processes). The face portion  3355  may be associated with a loft plane that defines the loft angle of the golf club head  3300 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The body portion  3310  may also include a cavity  3500  configured to receive a hosel portion  3400 . The cavity  3500  may be located at the top portion  3370  and may extend downward into the body portion  3310 . The cavity  3500  may be similar to the cavity  1890  shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . For example, the cavity  3500  may have an opening  3510 , a base  3515 , and one or more side walls (e.g., shown as side walls  3520 ,  3530 ,  3540 , and  3550 ) extending therebetween. The base  3515  and the side walls  3520 ,  3530 ,  3540 , and  3550  may define an interior structure of the cavity  3500 . The opening  3510  may have a rounded rectangular shape or other desired shape. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     A through-hole  3560  may be located at the front portion  3350  and feeds into the cavity  3500  through a side wall (e.g., side wall  3520 ) of the cavity  3500 . The side wall  3520  may be located behind the face portion  3355  and at least a portion of the side wall  3520  may generally face rearward of the body portion  3310 . The through-hole  3560  may be cylindrical in shape and may extend from the front portion  3350  in a direction rearward of the body portion  3310 . The through-hole  3560  may be located in a recessed portion  3570  of the front portion  3350  adjacent the opening  3510  of the cavity  3500 . The recessed portion  3570  may be U-shaped and may delimit an upper extent of the face portion  3355 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The hosel portion  3400  may include a neck portion  3410  extending from an insert portion  3420 . The hosel portion  3400  may be made from any of the materials described herein. Accordingly, the hosel portion  3400  may be made from the same or different material as the body portion  3310 . For the purpose of illustration, the hosel portion  3400  is exemplarily shown having a plumber&#39;s neck configuration and may include a bore portion  3430  capable of receiving a shaft (not shown). In alternative examples, the hosel portion  3400  may have a different neck configuration such as, but not limited to, a double bend configuration, a single bend configuration, or a slanted configuration, as described herein. In the illustrated example, the insert portion  3420  may have a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the cavity  3500  and promotes a clearance or frictional fit therebetween. The insert portion  3420  may include a fastener port  3440  and is received inside the cavity  3500  such that the fastener port  3440  interfaces with the through-hole  3560 . In this way, a complementary fastener, shown as fastener  3450  may be received in the through-hole  3560  and engaged to the fastener port  3440 , thereby securing the hosel portion  3400  to the body portion  3310 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example, the fastener  3450  may be a bolt or a screw. The fastener  3450  may include a head  3452  and external threads  3454  for engaging complementary internal threads  3442  of the fastener port  3440 . The fastener port  3440  may be configured as a through-hole and the fastener  3450  may be sized such that a tip portion  3456  of the fastener  3450  abuts against side wall  3530  when the fastener  3450  is fully fastened to the fastener port  3440 , thereby resulting in a continuous physical force being exerted by the fastener  3450  against the side wall  3530  for holding the hosel portion  3400  in place. Alternatively, the tip portion  3456  may stop short of the side wall  3530  when the fastener  3450  is fully fastened to the fastener port  3440 . Tightening of the fastener  3450  may pull the hosel portion  3400  forward toward the front portion  3350 , thereby resulting in a continuous physical force being exerted by the hosel portion  3400  against side wall  3520  of the cavity  3500 . In other words, tightening of the fastener  3450  may result in a clamping pressure exerted by the hosel portion  3400  and the fastener  3450  against an intervening structure  3580  of the body portion  3310  that separates the recessed portion  3570  and the cavity  3500 . The amount of tightening of the fastener  3450  may be limited by the head  3452  pressing or abutting against the recessed portion  3570  of the front portion  3350 . The depth of the recessed portion  3570  may be determined based on a desired side profile of the head  3452 . In other words, increasing the depth of the recessed portion  3570  may reduce the amount in which the head  3452  protrudes forward from the front portion  3350 . In some examples, the depth of the recessed portion  3570  is such that the head  3452  is at least flush (i.e., no visible side profile) with the face portion  3355 . In other examples, the depth of the recessed portion  3570  is such that head  3452  partially or entirely protrudes forward from the front portion  3350 . In examples where the head  3452  protrudes forward of the front portion  3350 , the golf club head  3300  may be deemed non-conforming by the rules of golf but would nevertheless find use in fitting/testing scenarios and in the hands of recreational golfers. Based on the application, the fastener  3450  may or may not be readily removable with a tool. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The insert portion  3420  of the hosel portion  3400  may be spaced apart from the base  3515  of the cavity  3500  when secured to the body portion  3310  using the fastener  3450 . An intermediate material  3590  may be provided inside the cavity  3500  between the base  3515  and the insert portion  3420  of the hosel portion  3400 . The intermediate material  3590  may be configured to dampen vibration and prevent deeper travel of the insert portion  3420  inside the cavity  3500 . In one example, the height of the intermediate material  3590  may be such that when the insert portion  3420  comes to rest against the intermediate material  3590 , the fastener port  3440  is auto-aligned with the through-hole  3560 . The intermediate material  3590  may include a compressible foam, elastomer, or other material with vibration dampening behavior. In alternative examples, the intermediate material  3590  may be omitted in favor of extending the length of the insert portion  3420  or reducing the depth of the cavity  3500  to promote contact between the insert portion  3420  and the base  3515  of the cavity  3500 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIG. 36 , a method  3600  of assembling a golf club head is generally shown by blocks  3610 - 3650 . At block  3610 , a body portion may be selected from a plurality of body portions. Each of the plurality of body portions may be a putter-type body having a cavity extending downward into the body portion and a through-hole located at the front portion and feeding into the cavity. For example, each of the plurality of body portions may have a cavity and through-hole similar to the cavity  3500  and through-hole  3560  shown in  FIG. 35 . The plurality of body portions may include one or more blade-type putter bodies, one or more mid-mallet-type putter bodies, one or more mallet-type putter bodies, and/or any other putter-type bodies. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     At block  3620 , a hosel portion is provided and may be selected from a plurality of hosel portions. The plurality of hosel portions may include one or more hosel portions with a double bend neck configuration, one or more hosel portions with a single bend neck configuration, one or more hosel portions with a plumber&#39;s neck configuration, one or more hosel portions with a slanted configuration, and/or one or more hosel portions of any other neck type. Each of the plurality of hosel portions may include an insert portion with a fastener port. The insert portion of each of the plurality of hosel portions may be similar to the insert portion  3420  shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . Accordingly, the insert portion of each of the plurality of hosel portions may be capable of being received in the cavity of any one of the plurality of body portions. In this way, the plurality of body portions and the plurality of hosel portions may be interchangeable with one another. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     At block  3630 , the insert portion of the selected hosel portion may be inserted into the cavity of the selected body portion such that the fastener port of the selected hosel portion interfaces with the through-hole of the selected body portion. In some examples, an intermediate material may be provided inside the cavity of the selected body portion to dampen vibration and limit the insert portion of the selected hosel portion from traveling any deeper inside the cavity of the selected body portion. The intermediate material may also encourage alignment between the fastener port of the selected hosel portion and the through-hole of the selected body portion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     At blocks  3640  and  3650 , a fastener may be inserted into the through-hole of the selected body portion and the fastener may be engaged to the fastener port of the selected hosel portion, thereby securing the selected hosel portion to the selected body portion. As described herein, the fastener may be a bolt or screw having a tip portion that may abut and exert a continuous physical force against a side wall of the cavity for holding the hosel portion in place. Tightening of the fastener may pull the insert portion of the selected hosel portion forward against the cavity of the selected body portion, which may result in a continuous physical force being exerted by the hosel portion against a side wall of the cavity that generally faces rearward of the selected body portion. The amount in which the fastener is tightened may be limited by a head of the fastener pressing or abutting against the front portion of the selected body portion. In some examples, the front portion of the selected body portion may include a recessed portion that delimits an upper extent of the face portion and is where the through-hole is located. In these examples, the head of the fastener may press against the recessed portion to limit further tightening of the fastener. The depth of the recessed portion may be determined based on a desired amount of side profile for the fastener. In some examples, the fastener may be readily removable using a tool to allow quick disassembly of the golf club head. The same fastener may again be used in the assembly of any subsequent body portion and hosel portion combinations. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Accordingly, the method  3600  outlined above may provide a variety of combinations between the plurality of body portions and the plurality of hosel portions. The method  3600  may be particularly useful in player fittings, whereby a fitter or tester can quickly assemble and disassemble as many combinations as is necessary to discover a body portion and hosel portion combination that is optimized to a particular player&#39;s putting stroke. Upon determining an optimal set up, the particular player&#39;s golf club head may be assembled pursuant to the method  3200  outlined in  FIG. 32 , for example. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include one or more club identifiers (e.g., a serial number, a matrix barcode, a brand name, a model, a club number, a loft angle, a character, etc.). For example, any of the golf club heads described herein may include a visual indicator such as a club number to identify the type of golf club. In one example, the club number may correspond to the loft angle of the golf club head (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9). In one example, a 7-iron type golf club head may be marked with “7”. In another example, a 54-degree wedge type golf club head may be marked “54”. In yet another example, a 10.5-degree driver type golf club head may be marked “10.5.” Any marking(s) associated with a club identifier may be visually differentiated (e.g., different color, texture, pattern, etc.) from the rest of the golf club head. The club identifier may be a trademark to identify a brand or a model of the golf club head. The club identifier may be another type of visual indicator such as a product number or a serial number to identify the golf club head as authentic equipment, to track inventory, or to distinguish the golf club head from fake or counterfeit products. Alternatively, the club identifier may be a digital signature or a machine-readable optical representation of information or data about the golf club head (e.g., numeric character(s), alphanumeric character(s), byte(s), a one-dimensional barcode such as a Universal Product Code (UPC), a two-dimensional barcode such as a Quick Response (QR) code, etc.). The club identifier may be placed at various locations on the golf club head (e.g., the hosel portion the face portion the sole portion etc.) using various methods (e.g., laser etched, stamped, casted, or molded onto the golf club head). For example, the club identifier may be a serial number laser etched onto the hosel portion of the golf club head. Instead of being an integral part of the golf club head, the club identifier may be a separate component coupled to the golf club head (e.g., a label adhered via an adhesive or an epoxy). 
     The terms “and” and “or” may have both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure indicates otherwise. The term “coupled” and any variation thereof refer to directly or indirectly connecting two or more elements chemically, mechanically, and/or otherwise. The phrase “removably connected” is defined such that two elements that are “removably connected” may be separated from each other without breaking or destroying the utility of either element. 
     The term “substantially” when used to describe a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may represent deviations or variations that do not diminish the characteristic, parameter, property, or value that the element may be intended to provide. Deviations or variations in a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may be based on, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors. The term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “adjacent,” “close,” “immediate,” “nearby”, “neighboring”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in this disclosure. 
     The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Instead, the description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one embodiment, and may disclosure alternative embodiments. 
     As the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&amp;A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Although certain example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers all apparatus, methods, and articles of articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.