Patent Publication Number: US-10786712-B2

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. 16/372,009, filed Apr. 1, 2019, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/875,416, filed Jan. 19, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,293,220, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/446,842, filed Mar. 1, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,895,582, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/377,120, filed Dec. 13, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,802,087, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/939,849, filed Nov. 12, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,555,295, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/615,606, filed Feb. 6, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,199,140. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 16/290,610, filed Mar. 1, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,617,918, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/875,496, filed Jan. 19, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,252,123, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/457,627, filed Mar. 13, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,895,583, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/189,806, filed Jun. 22, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,636,554, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/667,546, filed Mar. 24, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,399,158, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/615,606, filed Feb. 6, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,199,140, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/042,155, filed Aug. 26, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/048,693, filed Sep. 10, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/101,543, filed Jan. 9, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/105,123, filed Jan. 19, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/109,510, filed Jan. 29, 2015. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 16/375,553, filed Apr. 4, 2019, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/967,117, filed Apr. 30, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,293,221, which is a continuation application Ser. No. 15/457,618, filed Mar. 13, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,987,526, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/163,393, filed May 24, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,662,547, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/667,541, filed Mar. 24, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,352,197. 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 16/418,691, filed May 21, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,653,928, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/803,157, filed Nov. 3, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,335,645, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/290,859, filed Oct. 11, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,814,945, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/040,892, filed Feb. 10, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,550,096, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/115,024, filed Feb. 11, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/120,760, filed Feb. 25, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/138,918, filed Mar. 26, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/184,757, filed Jun. 25, 2015, U.S. Provisional No. 62/194,135, filed Jul. 17, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/195,211, filed Jul. 21, 2015. 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/035,268, filed Jul. 13, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,420,990, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/725,900, filed Oct. 5, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,052,532, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/445,253, filed Feb. 28, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,843, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/227,281, filed Aug. 3, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,782,643, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/281,639, filed Jan. 21, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/296,506, filed Feb. 17, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/301,756, filed Mar. 1, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/362,491, filed Jul. 14, 2016. 
     The disclosures of the referenced 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 sports equipment and, more particularly, to golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In golf, various factors may affect the distance and direction that a golf ball may travel. In particular, the center of gravity (CG) and/or the moment of inertia (MOI) of a golf club head may affect the launch angle, the spin rate, and the direction of the golf ball at impact. Such factors may vary significantly based the type of golf swing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is top perspective view of an example golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a bottom perspective view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a bottom view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a rear view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts a toe view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts a heel view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts a bottom view of an example body portion of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example body portion of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  depicts two weight ports of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  depicts a top view of an example weight portion of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  depicts a side view of the example weight portion of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14  depicts example launch trajectory profiles of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  depicts a first weight configuration of the example weight portions. 
         FIG. 16  depicts a second weight configuration of the example weight portions. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a third weight configuration of the example weight portions. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a fourth weight configuration of the example weight portions. 
         FIG. 19  depicts an example launch trajectory profile of the example golf club head of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  depicts one manner in which the example golf club heads described herein may be manufactured. 
         FIG. 21  depicts a bottom view of another example golf club head. 
         FIG. 22  depicts a bottom view of yet another example golf club head. 
         FIG. 23  is top perspective view of an example golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 24  depicts a bottom perspective view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 26  depicts a rear view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 27  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 28  depicts a bottom view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 29  depicts a toe view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 30  depicts a heel view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 31  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23  taken at section line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29   
         FIG. 32  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 23  taken at section line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 33  is top perspective view of an example golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 34  depicts a bottom perspective view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 36  depicts a rear view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 37  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 38  depicts a bottom view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 39  depicts a toe view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 40  depicts a heel view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 41  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33  taken at section line  41 - 41  of  FIG. 39   
         FIG. 42  depicts a cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 33  taken at section line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 43  depicts a cross-sectional view of another example of the golf club head of  FIG. 23  taken at section line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 44  depicts a cross-sectional view of another example of the golf club head of  FIG. 23  taken at section line  31 - 31  of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 45  depicts a side perspective cross-sectional view of another example of the golf club head of  FIG. 23  taken at section line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 27  according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 46  depicts a side perspective cross-sectional view of another example of the golf club head of  FIG. 45  taken at section line  45 - 45  of  FIG. 27 . 
     
    
    
     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 are not necessarily drawn 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 embodiments 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  FIGS. 1-13 , a golf club head  100  may include a body portion  110 , and a plurality of weight portions  120 , generally, shown as a first set of weight portions  210  ( FIG. 2 ) and a second set of weight portions  220  ( FIG. 2 ). The body portion  110  may include a top portion  130 , a bottom portion  140 , a toe portion  150 , a heel portion  160 , a front portion  170 , and a rear portion  180 . The bottom portion  140  may include a skirt portion  190  defined as a side portion of the golf club head  100  between the top portion  130  and the bottom portion  140  excluding the front portion  170  and extending across a periphery of the golf club head  100  from the toe portion  150 , around the rear portion  180 , and to the heel portion  160 . The bottom portion  140  may include a transition region  230  and a weight port region  240 . For example, the weight port region  240  may be a D-shape region. The weight port region  240  may include a plurality of weight ports  900  ( FIG. 9 ) to receive the plurality of weight portions  120 . The front portion  170  may include a face portion  175  to engage a golf ball (not shown). The body portion  110  may also include a hosel portion  165  to receive a shaft (not shown). Alternatively, the body portion  110  may include a bore instead of the hosel portion  165 . For example, the body portion  110  may be made partially or entirely of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example the body portion  110  may be made partially or entirely of a non-metal material such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. 
     The golf club head  100  may have a club head volume greater than or equal to 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3  or cc). In one example, the golf club head  100  may be about 460 cc. Alternatively, the golf club head  100  may have a club head volume less than or equal to 300 cc. In particular, the golf club head  100  may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head  100  may be determined by using the weighted water displacement method (i.e., Archimedes Principle). For example, procedures defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&amp;A) may be used for measuring the club head volume of the golf club head  100 . Although  FIG. 1  may depict a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver-type club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, an iron-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each of the first set of weight portions  210 , generally shown as  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430 , and  435  ( FIG. 4 ), may be associated with a first mass. Each of the second set of weight portions  220 , generally shown as  440 ,  445 ,  450 ,  455 ,  460 ,  465 ,  470 ,  475 , and  480  ( FIG. 4 ), may be associated with a second mass. The first mass may be greater than the second mass or vice versa. In one example, the first set of weight portions  210  may be made of a tungsten-based material whereas the second set of weight portions  220  may be made of an aluminum-based material. As described in detail below, the first and second set of weight portions  210  and  220 , respectively, may provide various weight configurations (e.g.,  FIGS. 15-18 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , for example, the bottom portion  140  of the body portion  110  may include a plurality of weight ports  900 . The plurality of weight ports  900 , generally shown as  905 ,  910 ,  915 ,  920 ,  925 ,  930 ,  935 ,  940 ,  945 ,  950 ,  955 ,  960 ,  965 ,  970 ,  975 , and  980 , may be located along a periphery of the weight port region  240  of the bottom portion  140 . The plurality of weight ports  900  may extend across the bottom portion  140 . In particular, the plurality of weight ports  900  may extend between the toe and heel portions  150  and  160 , respectively, across the bottom portion  140 . The plurality of weight ports  900  may also extend between the front and rear portions  170  and  180 , respectively, across the bottom portion  140 . The plurality of weight ports  900  may be arranged across the bottom portion  140  along a path that defines a generally D-shaped loop. In one example, the plurality of weight ports  900  may extend more than 50% of a maximum toe-to-heel distance  500  between of the toe and heel portions  150  and  160 , respectively, across the bottom portion  140 . The maximum toe-to-heel distance  500  of the golf club head  100  may be measured from transition regions between the top and bottom portions  130  and  140 , respectively, at the toe and heel portions  150  and  160 , respectively. Alternatively, the maximum toe-to-heel distance  500  may be a horizontal distance between vertical projections of the outermost points of the toe and heel portions  150  and  160 , respectively. For example, the maximum toe-to-heel distance  500  may be measured when the golf club head  100  is at a lie angle  510  of about 60 degrees. If the outermost point of the heel portion  160  is not readily defined, the outermost point of the heel portion  160  may be located at a height  520  of about 0.875 inches (22.23 millimeters) above a ground plane  530  (i.e., a horizontal plane on which the golf club head  100  is lying on). The plurality of weight ports  900  may extend more than 50% of a maximum toe-to-heel club head distance  500  of the golf club head  100 . In particular, the plurality of weight ports  900  may extend between the toe portion  150  and the heel portion  160  at a maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance  995 , which may be more than 50% of the maximum toe-to-heel club head distance  500  of the golf club head  100 . In one example, the maximum toe-to-heel club head distance  500  of the golf club head  100  may be no more than 5 inches (127 millimeters). Accordingly, the plurality of weight ports  900  may extend a weight port maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance of at least 2.5 inches between the toe and heel portions  150  and  160 , respectively. A maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance  995  may be the maximum distance between the heel-side boundary of the weight port farthest from the toe portion  150  and the toe-side boundary of the weight port farthest from the heel portion  160 . In the example of  FIG. 9 , the weight port maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance  995  may be the maximum distance between the heel-side boundary of the weight port  940  and toe-side boundary of the weight port  980 . For example, the maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance  995  may be about 3.7 inches. 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), the lie angle  510  and/or the height  520  for measuring the maximum toe-to-heel club head distance  500  may also change. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each of the plurality of weight ports  900  may be associated with a port diameter (D port ) (e.g., two shown as  1105  and  1110  in  FIG. 11 ). For example, the port diameter of each weight port of the plurality of weight ports  900  may be about 0.3 inch (7.65 millimeters). Alternatively, the port diameters of adjacent weight ports may be different. In one example, the weight port  905  may be associated with a port diameter  1105 , and the weight port  910  may be associated with a port diameter  1110 . In particular, the port diameter  1105  of the weight port  905  may be larger than the port diameter  1110  of the weight port  910  or vice versa. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The bottom portion  140  may also include an outer surface  990 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , for example, the plurality of weight ports  900  may be formed on the bottom portion  140  relative to an outer surface curve  1090  formed by the outer surface  990 . In particular, each of the plurality of weight ports  900  may be associated with a port axis generally shown as  1005 ,  1010 , and  1015 . A center of a weight port may define the port axis of the weight port. Each port axis may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane that is tangent to the outer surface curve  1090  at the point of intersection of the port axis and the outer surface curve  1090 . In one example, substantially perpendicular may refer to a deviation of ±5° from perpendicular. In another example, substantially perpendicular may refer to a deviation of ±3° from perpendicular. The deviation from perpendicular may depend on manufacturing tolerances. 
     In one example, the port axis  1010  may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (i.e., normal) to a tangent plane  1012  of the outer surface curve  1090 . Multiple fixtures may be used to manufacture the plurality of weight ports  900  by positioning the golf club head  100  in various positions. Alternatively, the weight ports may be manufactured by multiple-axis machining processes, which may be able to rotate the golf club head around multiple axes to mill away excess material (e.g., by water jet cutting and/or laser cutting) to form the plurality of weight ports  900 . Further, multiple-axis machining processes may provide a suitable surface finish because the milling tool may be moved tangentially about a surface. Accordingly, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may use a multiple-axis machining process to form each of the plurality of weight ports  900  on the bottom portion  140 . For example, a five-axis milling machine may form the plurality of weight ports  900  so that the port axis  1000  of each of the plurality weight ports  900  may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the outer surface curve  1090 . The tool of the five-axis milling machine may be moved tangentially about the outer surface curve  1090  of the outer surface  990 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 11 , for example, two adjacent weight ports may be separated by a port distance  1100 , which may be the shortest distance between two adjacent weight ports on the outer surface  990 . In particular, the port distance  1100  may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. In one example, the port distance  1100  between the weight ports  905  and  910  may be less than or equal to either the port diameter  1105  or the port diameter  1110 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The plurality of weight portions  120  may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., density, shape, mass, volume, size, color, etc.). In one example, the first set of weight portions  210  may be a black color whereas the second set of weight portions  220  may be a gray color or a steel color. Some or all of the plurality of weight portions  120  may be partially or entirely made of a metal material such as a steel-based material, a tungsten-based material, an aluminum-based material, any combination thereof or suitable types of materials. Alternatively, some or all of the plurality of weight portions  120  may be partially or entirely made of a non-metal material (e.g., composite, plastic, etc.). 
     In the illustrated example as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions  120  may have a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cross section). Although the above examples may describe weight portions having a particular shape, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include weight portions of other suitable shapes (e.g., a portion of or a whole sphere, cube, cone, cylinder, pyramid, cuboidal, prism, frustum, or other suitable geometric shape). Each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions  120  may be associated with a diameter  1200  and a height  1300 . In one example, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions  120  may have a diameter of about 0.3 inch (7.62 millimeters) and a height of about 0.2 inch (5.08 millimeters). Alternatively, the first and second sets of weight portions  210  and  220 , respectively, may be different in width and/or height. 
     Instead of a rear-to-front direction as in other golf club heads, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions  120  may engage one of the plurality of weight ports  400  in a bottom-to-top direction. The plurality of weight portions  120  may include threads to secure in the weight ports. For example, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions  120  may be a screw. The plurality of weight portions  120  may not be readily removable from the body portion  110  with or without a tool. Alternatively, the plurality of weight portions  120  may be readily removable (e.g., with a tool) so that a relatively heavier or lighter weight portion may replace one or more of the plurality of weight portions  120 . In another example, the plurality of weight portions  120  may be secured in the weight ports of the body portion  110  with epoxy or adhesive so that the plurality of weight portions  120  may not be readily removable. In yet another example, the plurality of weight portions  120  may be secured in the weight ports of the body portion  110  with both epoxy and threads so that the plurality of weight portions  120  may not be readily removable. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In contrast to other golf club heads, the golf club head  100  may accommodate at least four different types of golf swings. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , for example, each weight configuration may be associated with one of the plurality of launch trajectory profiles  1400 , generally shown as  1410 ,  1420 , and  1430 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , for example, a first weight configuration  1500  may be associated with a configuration of a first set of weight ports  1510 . The first set of weight ports  1510  may be located at or proximate to the front portion  170  (e.g., weight ports  905 ,  910 ,  915 ,  920 ,  925 ,  930 , and  935  shown in  FIG. 9 ). In the first weight configuration  1500 , a first set of weight portions may be disposed toward the front portion  170  according to the configuration of the first set of weight ports  1510 , whereas a second set of weight portions may be disposed toward the rear portion  180 . In particular, the first set of weight portions may form a cluster according to the configuration of the first set of weight ports  1510  at or proximate to the front portion  170 . The weight portions  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430 , and  435  may define the first set of weight portions and may be disposed in weight ports  905 ,  910 ,  915 ,  920 ,  925 ,  930 , and  935 , respectively. The weight portions  440 ,  445 ,  450 ,  455 ,  460 ,  465 ,  470 ,  475 , and  480  may define the second set of weight portions and may be disposed in weight ports  940 ,  945 ,  950 ,  955 ,  960 ,  965 ,  970 ,  975 , and  980 , respectively. The first weight configuration  1500  may be associated with the first launch trajectory profile  1410  ( FIG. 14 ). In particular, the first weight configuration  1500  may decrease spin rate of a golf ball. By placing relatively heavier weight portions (i.e., the first set of weight portions) towards the front portion  170  of the golf club head  100  according to the configuration of the first set of weight ports  1510 , the center of gravity (GC) of the golf club head  100  may move relatively forward and lower to produce a relatively lower launch and spin trajectory. As a result, the first launch trajectory profile  1410  may be associated with a relatively greater roll distance (i.e., distance after impact with the ground). While the above example may describe the weight portions being disposed in certain weight ports, any weight portion of the first set of weight portions  210  may be disposed in any weight port of the first set of weight ports  1510 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 16 , for example, a second weight configuration  1600  may be associated with a configuration of a second set of weight ports  1610 . The second set of weight ports  1610  may be located at or proximate to the rear portion  180  (e.g., weight ports,  945 ,  950 ,  955 ,  960 ,  965 ,  970 , and  975  shown in  FIG. 9 ). In a second weight configuration  1600  as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , for example, a first set of weight portions may be disposed toward the rear portion  180  whereas a second set of weight portions may be disposed toward the front portion  170 . In particular, the first set of weight portions may form a cluster  1610  at or proximate to the rear portion  180  according to the configuration of the second set of weight ports  1610 . The weight portions  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430 , and  435  may define the first set of weight portions and may be disposed in weight ports  945 ,  950 ,  955 ,  960 ,  965 ,  970 , and  975 , respectively. The weight portions  440 ,  445 ,  450 ,  455 ,  460 ,  465 ,  470 ,  475 , and  480  may define the second set of weight portions and may be disposed in weight ports  905 ,  910 ,  915 ,  920 ,  925 ,  930 ,  935 ,  940 , and  980 , respectively. The second weight configuration  1600  may be associated with the second launch trajectory profile  1420  ( FIG. 14 ). In particular, the second weight configuration  1600  may increase launch angle of a golf ball and maximize forgiveness. By placing the relatively heavier weight portion (i.e., the first set of weight portions) towards the rear portion  180  of the golf club head  100  according to the configuration of the second set of weight ports  1610 , the center of gravity (GC) of the golf club head  100  may move relatively back and up to produce a relatively higher launch and spin trajectory. Further, the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head  100  may increase in both the horizontal (front-to-back axis) and vertical axes (top-to-bottom axis), which in turn, provides relatively more forgiveness on off-center hits. As a result, the second launch trajectory profile  1420  may be associated with a relatively greater carry distance (i.e., in-the-air distance). 
     Turning to  FIG. 17 , for example, a third weight configuration  1700  may be associated with a configuration of a third set of weight ports  1710 . In the third weight configuration  1700 , for example, a first set of weight portions may be disposed toward the heel portion  160  whereas a second set of weight portions may be disposed toward the toe portion  150 . In particular, the first set of weight portions may form a cluster of weight portions at or proximate to the heel portion  160  according to the configuration of the third set of weight ports  1710 . The weight portions  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430 , and  435  may define the first set of weight portions and may be disposed in weight ports  925 ,  930 ,  935 ,  940 ,  945 ,  950 , and  955 , respectively. The weight portions  440 ,  445 ,  450 ,  455 ,  460 ,  465 ,  470 ,  475 , and  480  may define the second set of weight portions and may be disposed in weight ports  905 ,  910 ,  915 ,  920 ,  960 ,  965 ,  970 ,  975 , and  980 , respectively. The third weight configuration  1700  may be associated with a third launch trajectory profile  1430  ( FIG. 14 ). In particular, the third weight configuration  1700  may allow an individual to turn over the golf club head  100  relatively easier (i.e., square up the face portion  175  to impact a golf ball). By placing the relatively heavier weight portions (i.e., the first set of weight portions) towards the heel portion  160  of the golf club head  100 , the center of gravity (GC) of the golf club head  100  may move relatively closer to the axis of the shaft. 
     Turning to  FIG. 18 , for example, a fourth weight configuration  1800  may be associated with a configuration of a fourth set of weight ports  1810 . In a fourth weight configuration  1800 , for example, a first set of weight portions may be disposed toward the toe portion  150  whereas a second set of weight portions may be disposed toward the heel portion  160 . In particular, the first set of weight portions may form a cluster of weight portions at or proximate to the toe portion  150  according to the configuration of the fourth set of weight ports  1810 . The weight portions  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430 , and  435  may define the first set of weight portions and may be disposed in weight ports  905 ,  910 ,  915 ,  965 ,  970 ,  975 , and  980 , respectively. The weight portions  440 ,  445 ,  450 ,  455 ,  460 ,  465 ,  470 ,  475 , and  480  may define the second set of weight portions and may be disposed in weight ports  920 ,  925 ,  930 ,  935 ,  940 ,  945 ,  950 ,  955 , and  960 , respectively. The fourth weight configuration  1800  may be associated with the third launch trajectory profile  1430  ( FIG. 14 ). In particular, the fourth weight configuration  1800  may prevent an individual from turning over the golf club head  100  (i.e., the face portion  175  may be more open to impact a golf ball). By placing the relatively heavier weight portions (i.e., the first set of weight portions) towards the toe portion  150  of the golf club head  100 , the center of gravity (GC) of the golf club head  100  may move relatively farther away from the axis of the shaft. The fourth weight configuration  1800  may result in a fade golf shot (as shown in  FIG. 19 , for example, a trajectory or ball flight in which a golf ball travels to the left of a target  1910  and curving back to the right of the target for a right-handed individual). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
       FIG. 20  depicts one manner in which the golf club head  100  may be manufactured. In the example of  FIG. 20 , the process  2000  may begin with providing a plurality of weight portions (block  2010 ). The plurality of weight portions may include a first set of weight portions and a second set of weight portions. Each weight portion of the first set of weight portions may be associated with a first mass whereas each weight portion of the second set of weight portions may be associated with a second mass. The first mass may be greater than the second mass. In one example, each weight portion of the first set of weight portions may be made of a tungsten-based material with a mass 2.6 grams whereas each weight portion of the second set of weight portions may be made of an aluminum-based material with a mass of 0.4 grams. The first set of weight portions may have a gray color or a steel color whereas the second set of weight portions may have a black color. 
     The process  2000  may provide a body portion of a golf club head (block  2020 ). The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with outer surface curve, and a skirt portion between the top and bottom portion. 
     The process  2000  may form a weight port region located at or proximate to the bottom and skirts portions (block  2030 ). A transition region may surround the weight port region. 
     The process  2000  may form a plurality of weight ports along a periphery of the weight port region (block  2040 ). Each weight port of the plurality of weight ports may be associated with a port diameter and configured to receive at least one weight portion of the plurality of weight portions. Two adjacent weight ports may be separated by less than or equal to the port diameter. Further, each weight port of the plurality of weight ports may be associated with a port axis. The port axis may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular relative to a tangent plane of the outer surface curve of the bottom portion of the golf club head. 
     The example process  2000  of  FIG. 20  is merely provided and described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-19  as an example of one way to manufacture the golf club head  100 . While a particular order of actions is illustrated in  FIG. 20 , these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions depicted in  FIG. 20  may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Although  FIG. 20  depicts a particular number of blocks, the process may not perform one or more blocks. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     As shown in the above examples, the plurality of weight portions  120  and the plurality of weight ports  900  may be located on a periphery of the weight port region  240  along a path that defines a generally D-shaped loop formed with two arcs, generally shown as  490  and  495  in  FIG. 4 . For example, the weight portions  405 ,  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 ,  430 , and  435  ( FIG. 4 ), and the weight ports  905 ,  910 ,  915 ,  920 ,  925 ,  930 , and  935  ( FIG. 9 ) may form the first arc  490 . In particular, the first arc  490  may extend between the toe and heel portions  150  and  160 , respectively, across the bottom portion  140 . The weight portions  440 ,  445 ,  450 ,  455 ,  460 ,  465 ,  470 ,  475 , and  480  ( FIG. 4 ), the weight ports  940 ,  945 ,  950 ,  955 ,  960 ,  965 ,  970 ,  975 , and  980  ( FIG. 9 ) may form the second arc  495 . The second arc  495  may generally follow the contour of the rear portion  180  of the body portion  110 . Alternatively, the first and second arcs  490  and  495  may define loops with other shapes that extend across the bottom portion  140  (e.g., a generally O-shaped loop). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Although the above examples may depict the plurality of weight portions  120  and the plurality of weight ports  900  forming a particular geometric shape, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may have weight portions and weight ports located along a periphery of a weight portion region to form other geometric shapes. Turning to  FIG. 21 , for example, a golf club head  2100  may include a bottom portion  2110 , and a plurality of weight portions  2120  disposed in a plurality of weight ports  2130 . The plurality of weight ports  2130  may be located along a periphery of a weight port region  2140  of the bottom portion  2110  (i.e., the plurality of weight ports  2130  may extend between the toe and heel portions  2112  and  2114 , respectively, across the bottom portion  2110 ). In contrast to the plurality of weight portions  120  and the plurality of weight ports  900  (e.g.,  FIGS. 4 and 9 ), the plurality of weight ports  2130  may form two discrete arcs, generally shown as  2150  and  2155 , extending across the bottom portion  2110 . 
     The first arc  2150  may extend between the toe portion  2112  and the heel portion  2114 . The first arc  2150  may curve toward the front portion  2170  of the golf club head  2100  (i.e., concave relative to the front portion  2170 ). According to the example of  FIG. 21 , the first arc  2150  may extend from a region proximate the toe portion  2112  to a region proximate to the front portion  2170  and from the region proximate to the front portion  2170  to a region proximate to the heel portion  2114  (i.e., concave relative to the front portion  2170 ). Accordingly, the first arc  2150  may appear as a C-shaped arc facing the rear portion  2180  of the golf club head  2100  that extends between the toe portion  2112  and the heel portion  2114 . The second arc  2155  may also extend between the toe portion  2112  and the heel portion  2114 . The second arc  2155  may curve toward the rear portion  2180  of the golf club head  2100  (i.e., concave relative to the rear portion  2180 ). Accordingly, the second arc  2155  may appear as a C-shaped arc facing the front portion  2170  of the golf club head  2100  that extends between the toe portion  2112  and the heel portion  2114 . Further, the first arc  2150  may be closer to the front portion  2170  than the second arc  2155 . The first arc  2150  and the second arc  2155  may be discrete so that the first and second arcs  2150  and  2155 , respectively, may be spaced apart along the periphery of the bottom portion  2110 . Accordingly, the bottom portion  2110  may include gaps  2190  and  2192  along the periphery of the bottom portion  2110  between the weight ports  2130  of the first arc  2150  and the weight ports  2130  of the second arc  2155 . The gaps  2190  and/or  2192  may be greater than or equal to the port diameter of any of the weight ports  2130  such as the weight ports  2130  that are adjacent to the gaps  2190  and/or  2192 . According to one example as shown in  FIG. 21 , the gaps  2190  and  2192  may be several orders or magnitude larger than the diameters of the weight ports  2130  that are adjacent to the gaps  2190  and  2192 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , for example, the first arc  2150  may include a greater number of weight ports  2130  than the second arc  2155 , which may be suitable for certain golf club heads (e.g., a fairway wood-type golf club head and/or a hybrid-type golf club head). Alternatively, the second arc  2155  may include the same or a greater number of weight ports  2130  than the first arc  2150 . The number of weight ports  2130  in each of the first and second arcs  2150  and  2155 , respectively, the weight portions  2120  associated with each weight port  2130  and the spacing between adjacent weight ports  2130  may be determined based on the type of golf club, a preferred weight distribution of the golf club head  2100 , and/or a center of gravity location of the golf club head  2100 . 
     The weight ports  2130  of the first arc  2150  and/or the second arc  2155  may be spaced from each other at the same or approximately the same distance along the first arc  2150  and/or the second arc  2155 , respectively. Any variation in the spacing between the weight ports  2130  of the first arc  2150  or the second arc  2155  or any of the weight ports described herein may be due to different manufacturing considerations, such as manufacturing tolerances and/or cost effectiveness associated with manufacturing precision. For example, the variation in the spacing between the weight ports  2130  of the first arc  2150  and/or the second arc  2155  may be between 1/16 of an inch to 0.001 inch. As described herein, the distance between adjacent weight ports  2130  (i.e., port distance) may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. The plurality of weight ports  2130  may extend between the toe portion  2112  and the heel portion  2114  at a maximum toe-to heel weight port distance that is more than 50% of a maximum toe-to-heel club head distance  2195  of the golf club head  2100 . The maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance may be the maximum distance between the heel-side boundary of the weight port farthest from the toe portion  2112  and the toe-side boundary of the weight port farthest from the heel portion  2114 . 
     In particular, the golf club head  2100  may have a volume of less than 430 cc. In example, the golf club head  2100  may have a volume ranging from 100 cc to 400 cc. In another example, the golf club head  2100  may have a volume ranging from 150 cc to 350 cc. In yet another example, the golf club head  2100  may have a volume ranging from 200 cc to 300 cc. The golf club head  2100  may have a mass ranging from 100 grams to 350 grams. In another example, the golf club head  2100  may have a mass ranging from 150 grams to 300 grams. In yet another example, the golf club head  2100  may have a mass ranging from 200 grams to 250 grams. The golf club head  2100  may have a loft angle ranging from 10° to 30°. In another example, the golf club head  2100  may have a loft angle ranging from 13° to 27°. For example, the golf club head  2100  may be a fairway wood-type golf club head. Alternatively, the golf club head  2100  may be a smaller driver-type golf club head (i.e., larger than a fairway wood-type golf club head but smaller than a driver-type golf club head). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , for example, a golf club head  2200  may include a bottom portion  2210 , and a plurality of weight portions  2220  disposed in a plurality of weight ports  2230 . The plurality of weight ports  2230  located along a periphery of a weight port region  2240  may be arranged along a path that defines an arc, generally shown as  2250 , extending across the bottom portion  2210  (i.e., the plurality of weight ports  2230  may extend between the toe and heel portions  2212  and  2214 , respectively, across the bottom portion  2210 ). The arc  2250  may curve toward the rear portion  2280  of the golf club head  2200  (i.e., concave relative to the rear portion  2280 ). According to the example of  FIG. 22 , the arc  2250  may extend from a region proximate the toe portion  2212  to a region proximate to the rear portion  2280  and from the region proximate to the rear portion  2280  to a region proximate to the heel portion  2214  (i.e., concave relative to the rear portion  2280 ). Accordingly, the arc  2250  may appear as a C-shaped arc facing the front portion  2270  of the golf club head  2200  that extends from near the heel portion  2214  to near the toe portion  2212 . Further, the curvature of the arc  2250  is substantially similar to or generally follows the contour of the rear portion  2280  of the golf club head  2200 . The number of weight ports  2230  in the arc  2250 , the weight portions  2220  associated with each weight port  2230  and the spacing between adjacent weight ports  2230  may be determined based on the type of golf club, a preferred weight distribution of the golf club head  2200 , and/or a center of gravity location of the golf club head  2200 . 
     The weight ports  2230  of the arc  2250  may be spaced from each other at the same or approximately the same distance along the arc  2250  (e.g., the weight ports  2230  may be substantially similarly spaced apart from each other). Any variation in the spacing between the weight ports  2230  of the arc  2250  or any of the weight ports described herein may be due to different manufacturing considerations, such as manufacturing tolerances and/or cost effectiveness associated with manufacturing precision. For example, the variation in the spacing between the weight ports  2130  of the arc  2250  may be between 1/16 of an inch to 0.001 inch. As described herein, the distance between adjacent weight ports  2230  (i.e., port distance) may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. The plurality of weight ports  2230  may extend between the toe portion  2212  and the heel portion  2214  at a maximum toe-to heel weight port distance that is more than 50% of a maximum toe-to-heel club head distance of  2290  the golf club head  2200 . The maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance may be the maximum distance between the heel-side boundary of the weight port farthest from the toe portion  2212  and the toe-side boundary of the weight port farthest from the heel portion  2214 . 
     In particular, the golf club head  2200  may have a volume of less than 200 cc. In example, the golf club head  2200  may have a volume ranging from 50 cc to 150 cc. In another example, the golf club head  2200  may have a volume ranging from 60 cc to 120 cc. In yet another example, the golf club head  2200  may have a volume ranging from 70 cc to 100 cc. The golf club head  2200  may have a mass ranging from 180 grams to 275 grams. In another example, the golf club head  2200  may have a mass ranging from 200 grams to 250 grams. The golf club head  2200  may have a loft angle ranging from 15° to 35°. In another example, the golf club head  2200  may have a loft angle ranging from 17° to 33°. For example, the golf club head  2200  may be a hybrid-type golf club head. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 23-32 , a golf club head  2300  may include a body portion  2310 , and a plurality of weight portions  2320  ( FIG. 24 ), generally, shown as a first set of weight portions  2410  ( FIG. 24 ) and a second set of weight portions  2420  ( FIG. 24 ). The body portion  2310  may include a top portion  2330 , a bottom portion  2340 , a toe portion  2350 , a heel portion  2360 , a front portion  2370 , and a rear portion  2380 . The bottom portion  2340  may include a skirt portion  2390  defined as a side portion of the golf club head  2300  between the top portion  2330  and the bottom portion  2340  excluding the front portion  2370  and extending across a periphery of the golf club head  2300  from the toe portion  2350 , around the rear portion  2380 , and to the heel portion  2360 . The bottom portion  2340  may include a transition region  2430  and a weight port region  2440 . For example, the weight port region  2440  may be a D-shape region. The weight port region  2440  may include a plurality of weight ports  2800  ( FIG. 28 ) to receive the plurality of weight portions  2320 . The front portion  2370  may include a face portion  2375  to engage a golf ball (not shown). The body portion  2310  may also include a hosel portion  2365  to receive a shaft (not shown). The hosel portion  2365  may be an integral portion or a separate portion of the body portion  2310 . For example, the hosel portion  2365  may include a hosel sleeve with one end to receive a shaft and an opposite end that may be inserted into the body portion  2310 . Alternatively, the body portion  2310  may include a bore instead of the hosel portion  2365 . For example, the body portion  2310  may be made partially or entirely of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example the body portion  2310  may be made partially or entirely of a non-metal material such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. 
     The golf club head  2300  may have a club head volume greater than or equal to 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3  or cc). In one example, the golf club head  2300  may be about 460 cc. Alternatively, the golf club head  2300  may have a club head volume less than or equal to 300 cc. In particular, the golf club head  2300  may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head  2300  may be determined by using the weighted water displacement method (i.e., Archimedes Principle). For example, procedures defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&amp;A) may be used for measuring the club head volume of the golf club head  2300 . Although  FIG. 23  may depict a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver-type club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, an iron-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each of the first set of weight portions  2410 , generally shown as  2605 ,  2610 ,  2615 , and  2620  may be associated with a first mass. Each of the second set of weight portions  2420 , generally shown as  2640 ,  2645 ,  2650 ,  2655 ,  2660 ,  2665 , and  2670  may be associated with a second mass. The first mass may be greater than the second mass or vice versa. In one example, the first set of weight portions  2410  may be made of a tungsten-based material whereas the second set of weight portions  2420  may be made of an aluminum-based material. The first and second set of weight portions  2410  and  2420 , respectively, may provide various weight configurations for the golf club head  2300  that may be similar to the various weight configurations for the golf club head  100  as described in detail herein. Alternatively, all of the weight portions of the first and second set of weight portions  2410  and  2420 , respectively, may have the same mass. That is, the first and second masses may be equal to each other. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Referring to  FIG. 28 , for example, the bottom portion  2340  of the body portion  2310  may include a plurality of weight ports  2800 . The plurality of weight ports  2800 , generally shown as  2805 ,  2810 ,  2815 ,  2820 ,  2840 ,  2845 ,  2850 ,  2855 ,  2860 ,  2865 , and  2870  may be located on and/or along a periphery of the weight port region  2440  of the bottom portion  2340 . Each of the plurality of weight ports  2800  may be associated with a port diameter, which may be similar in many respects to the port diameters (D port ) of the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100  (generally shown in  FIG. 9 ). For example, the port diameter of each weight port of the plurality of weight ports  2800  may be about 0.3 inch (7.65 millimeters). Alternatively, the port diameters of adjacent weight ports of the plurality of weight ports  2800  may be different. Further, the plurality of weight ports  2800  may extend across the bottom portion  2340  similar to the configuration of the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100  as described in detail herein. However, the configuration of the weight ports  2800  on the bottom portion  2340  may be different than the configuration of the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100 . For example, the distance between two adjacent weight ports  2800  may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports, which may be similar to the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100 . However, in another example, the distance between two adjacent weight ports  2800  may be greater than the port diameter of any of two adjacent weight ports. In yet another example, the distance between two adjacent weight ports of some of the weight ports  2800  may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports, while the distance between two adjacent weight ports of some of the other weight ports  2800  may be greater than the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The plurality of weight ports  2800  may be formed on the bottom portion  2340  similar to the formation of the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100 . For example, a center axis of each of the weight ports  2800  may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane tangent to an outer surface curve of the bottom portion  2340  (e.g., contour of the bottom portion  2340 ) at the point of intersection of the center axis and the outer surface curve as described in detail herein with respect to the golf club head  100 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The plurality of weight portions  2320  may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., density, shape, mass, volume, size, color, etc.). The weight portions  2320  may be similar in many respects to the weight portions  120  of the golf club head  100  as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example shown in  FIGS. 23-32 , the bottom portion  2340  may include an outer surface  2342  and an inner surface  2344 . Each of the outer surface  2342  and the inner surface  2344  may include one or a plurality of support portions, generally shown as  3110 ,  3120 , and  3140 . The outer surface  2342  may include at least one outer support portion  3110  and the inner surface  2344  may include a first set of inner support portions  3120  (generally shown as inner support portions  3121 ,  3122 ,  3123 ,  3124 ,  3125 ,  3126 ,  3127 ,  3128 ,  3129 ,  3130 ,  3131 ,  3132  and  3133 ), and a second set of inner support portions  3140  (generally shown as inner support portions  3141 ,  3142 ,  3143 ,  3144 ,  3145 , and  3146 ). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The outer support portion  3110  may be positioned on the bottom portion  2340  and/or the skirt portion  2390  between any of the weight ports  2800  and/or a periphery of the body portion  2310  as defined by the toe portion  2350 , the heel portion  2360 , the front portion  2370 , and the rear portion  2380 . However, the outer support portion  3110  may be positioned at any location on the golf club head  2300  for structural support of the golf club head  2300 . As shown in  FIGS. 23-32 , the outer support portion  3110  may be defined by a groove or indentation that extends on the bottom portion  2340  and/or the skirt portion  2390  from the rear portion  2380  toward and/or to the toe portion  2350  proximate to a periphery of the body portion  2310 . The outer support portion  3110  may have any configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 31 , a width of the outer support portion  3110  may increase from the rear portion  2380  toward the toe portion  2350  while the outer support portion  3110  may follow a contour of the periphery of the body portion  2310  between the rear portion  2380  and the toe portion  2350 . Accordingly, the outer support portion  3110  may resemble a curved triangular groove on the bottom portion  2340 . The depth of the outer support portion  3110  may also vary. Alternatively, the depth of the outer support portion  3110  may be constant. Further, the depth of the outer support portion  3110  may be determined based on the thickness of the bottom portion  2340  and the material from which the bottom portion  2340  is formed. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each inner support portion of the first set of inner support portions  3120  may include walls, ribs and/or any projection from the inner surface  2344  of the bottom portion  2340 . Each inner support portion of the first set of inner support portions  3120  may extend from and connect each weight port  2800  to an adjacent weight port or to one or more other non-adjacent weight ports  2800 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , for example, the inner support portion  3121  may include a wall projecting from the inner surface  2344  of the bottom portion  2340  and connecting the weight ports  2805  and  2810 . Similarly, each pair of adjacent weight ports  2810  and  2815 ,  2815  and  2820 ,  2820  and  2840 ,  2840  and  2845 ,  2845  and  2850 ,  2850  and  2855 ,  2855  and  2860 ,  2860  and  2865 ,  2865  and  2870 ,  2870  and  2805  may be connected by inner support portions  3122 ,  3123 ,  3124 ,  3125 ,  3126 ,  3127 ,  3128 ,  3129 ,  3130 ,  3131 , respectively. Accordingly, the inner support portions  3121  through  3131  of the first set of inner support portions  3120  may define a loop-shaped support region  3150  on the inner surface  2344  of the bottom portion  2340 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Further, the inner support portion  3132  may include a wall projecting from the inner surface  2344  of the bottom portion  2340  and connecting two non-adjacent ports such as the weight ports  2805  and  2855 . The inner support portion  3133  may include a wall projecting from the inner surface  2344  of the bottom portion  2340  and connecting two non-adjacent ports such as the weight ports  2820  and  2855 . Accordingly, the inner support portions  3121 ,  3122 ,  3123 ,  3132  and  3133  may define a triangular support region  3160  on the inner surface  2344  of the bottom portion  2340  partially within the loop-shaped support region  3150  and partially overlapping the loop-shaped support region  3150 . The weight ports  2805 ,  2820  and  2855  may define the vertices of the triangular support region  3160 . The first set of inner support portions  3120  may have any configuration, connect any two or more of the weight ports, and/or define any shape. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each inner support portion of the second set of inner support portions  3140  may include walls, ribs and/or any projections on the inner surface  2344  of the bottom portion  2340 . Each inner support portion of the second set of inner support portions  3140  may extend from one or more of the weight ports  2800  toward the periphery and/or the skirt portion  2390  of the body portion  2310 . In one example shown in  FIG. 31 , the inner support portion  3141  may include a wall connected to the weight port  2805  and extending from the weight port  2805  toward and/or to the toe portion  2350 . The inner support portion  3142  may include a wall connected to the weight port  2870  and extending from the weight port  2870  toward and/or to the toe portion  2350 . The inner support portion  3143  may include a wall connected to the weight port  2865  and extending from the weight port  2865  toward and/or to the toe portion  2350  or the rear portion  2380 . The length, height, thickness, orientation angle, and/or cross-sectional configuration of each of the inner support portions  3141 ,  3142 , and  3143  may be configured such that the inner support portions  3141 ,  3142 , and  3143  may provide or substantially provide structural support to the bottom portion  2340 , the skirt portion  2390 , the toe portion  2350 , the front portion  2370  and/or the rear portion  2380 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 31 , the inner support portion  3144  may include a wall that may be connected to the weight port  2855  and may extend from the weight port  2855  toward and/or to the rear portion  2380 . The inner support portion  3145  may include a wall connected to the weight port  2845  and extending from the weight port  2845  toward and/or to the heel portion  2360 . The inner support portion  3146  may include a wall connected to the weight port  2820  and extending from the weight port  2820  toward and/or to the heel portion  2360 . The length, height, thickness, orientation angle, and/or cross-sectional configuration of each of the inner support portions  3144 ,  3145 , and  3146  may be configured such that the inner support portions  3144 ,  3145 , and  3146  may provide or substantially provide structural support to the bottom portion  2340 , the skirt portion  2390 , the heel portion  2360 , the front portion  2370  and/or the rear portion  2380 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The first set of inner support portions  3120  may structurally support the bottom portion  2340  by distributing the impact loads exerted on the bottom portion  2340  throughout the bottom portion  2340  when the golf club head  100  strikes a golf ball (not shown). The second set of inner support portions  3140  may further distribute the impact loads throughout the bottom portion  2340 , the skirt portion  2390 , toe portion  2350 , the heel portion  2360 , the front portion  2370 , and/or the rear portion  2380 . In one example, the second set of inner support portions  3140  may include additional walls, ribs and/or projections (not shown) that connect to any of the weight ports such as weight ports  2840 ,  2850 , and  2860  to further distribute impact loads throughout the body portion  2310 . While the above examples may depict a particular number of inner support portions, the bottom portion  2340  may more or less inner support portions. For example, the bottom portion  2340  may include a plurality of inner support portions (not shown) that connect non-adjacent weight ports  2800  (e.g., weight ports  2815  and  2860 ) and/or the second set of inner support portions  3140 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The width (i.e., thickness), length, height, orientation angle, and/or cross-sectional shape of the inner support portions of the first set of inner support portions  3120  and/or the second set of inner support portions  3140  may be similar or vary and be configured to provide structural support to the golf club head  2300 . For example, the materials from which the bottom portion  2340  and/or the body portion  2310  may be constructed may determine the width, length, height, orientation angle, and/or cross-sectional shape of the inner support portions of the first set of inner support portions  3120  and/or the second set of inner support portions  3140 . For example, the inner support portions of the first set of inner support portions  3120  and/or the second set of inner support portions  3140  may be defined by walls with rectangular cross sections having heights that are similar to the depths of the weight portions  2800 . The length of each inner support portion of the second set of inner support portions  3140  may be configured such that one or more inner support portions of the second set of inner support portions  3140  extend from the bottom portion  2340  to the skirt portion  2390 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 33-42 , a golf club head  3300  may include a body portion  3310 , and a plurality of weight portions  3320  ( FIG. 34 ), generally, shown as a first set of weight portions  3410  ( FIG. 34 ) and a second set of weight portions  3420  ( FIG. 34 ). The body portion  3310  may include a top portion  3330 , a bottom portion  3340 , a toe portion  3350 , a heel portion  3360 , a front portion  3370 , and a rear portion  3380 . The bottom portion  3340  may include a skirt portion  3390  defined as a side portion of the golf club head  3300  between the top portion  3330  and the bottom portion  3340  excluding the front portion  3370  and extending across a periphery of the golf club head  3300  from the toe portion  3350 , around the rear portion  3380 , and to the heel portion  3360 . The bottom portion  3340  may include a transition region  3430  and a weight port region  3440 . For example, the weight port region  3440  may be a D-shape region. The weight port region  3440  may include a plurality of weight ports  3800  ( FIG. 38 ) to receive the plurality of weight portions  3320 . The front portion  3370  may include a face portion  3375  to engage a golf ball (not shown). The body portion  3310  may also include a hosel portion  3365  to receive a shaft (not shown). The hosel portion  3365  may be an integral portion or a separate portion of the body portion  3310 . For example, the hosel portion  3365  may include a hosel sleeve with one end to receive a shaft and an opposite end that may be inserted into the body portion  3310 . Alternatively, the body portion  3310  may include a bore instead of the hosel portion  3365 . For example, the body portion  3310  may be made partially or entirely of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example the body portion  3310  may be made partially or entirely of a non-metal material such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. 
     The golf club head  3300  may have a club head volume greater than or equal to 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3  or cc). In one example, the golf club head  3300  may be about 460 cc. Alternatively, the golf club head  3300  may have a club head volume less than or equal to 300 cc. In particular, the golf club head  3300  may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head  3300  may be determined by using the weighted water displacement method (i.e., Archimedes Principle). For example, procedures defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&amp;A) may be used for measuring the club head volume of the golf club head  3300 . Although  FIG. 33  may depict a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver-type club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, an iron-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each of the first set of weight portions  3410 , generally shown as  3605 ,  3610 ,  3615 , and  3620  may be associated with a first mass. Each of the second set of weight portions  3420 , generally shown as  3640 ,  3645 ,  3650 ,  3655 ,  3660 ,  3665 , and  3670  may be associated with a second mass. The first mass may be greater than the second mass or vice versa. In one example, the first set of weight portions  3410  may be made of a tungsten-based material whereas the second set of weight portions  3420  may be made of an aluminum-based material. The first and second set of weight portions  3410  and  3420 , respectively, may provide various weight configurations for the golf club head  3300  that may be similar to the various weight configurations for the golf club head  100  as described in detail herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Referring to  FIG. 38 , for example, the bottom portion  3340  of the body portion  3310  may include a plurality of weight ports  3800 . The plurality of weight ports  3800 , generally shown as  3805 ,  3810 ,  3815 ,  3820 ,  3840 ,  3845 ,  3850 ,  3855 ,  3860 ,  3865 , and  3870  may be located on and/or along a periphery of the weight port region  3440  of the bottom portion  3340 . Each of the plurality of weight ports  3800  may be associated with a port diameter, which may be similar in many respects to the port diameters (D port ) of the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100  (generally shown in  FIG. 9 ). For example, the port diameter of each weight port of the plurality of weight ports  3800  may be about 0.3 inch (7.65 millimeters). Alternatively, the port diameters of adjacent weight ports of the plurality of weight ports  3800  may be different. Further, the plurality of weight ports  3800  may extend across the bottom portion  3340  similar to the configuration of the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100  as described in detail herein. However, the configuration of the weight ports  3800  on the bottom portion  3340  may be different than the configuration of the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100 . For example, the distance between two adjacent weight ports  3800  may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports, which may be similar to the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100 . However, in another example, the distance between two adjacent weight ports  3800  may be greater than the port diameter of any of two adjacent weight ports. In another example, the distance between two adjacent weight ports of some of the weight ports  3800  may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports, while the distance between two adjacent weight ports of some of the other weight ports  3800  may be greater than the port diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The plurality of weight ports  3800  may be formed on the bottom portion  3340  similar to the formation of the weight ports  900  of the golf club head  100 . For example, a center axis of each of the weight ports  3800  may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane tangent to an outer surface curve  3340  (e.g., contour of the bottom portion  3340 ) at the point of intersection of the center axis and the outer surface curve as described in detail herein with respect to the golf club head  100 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The plurality of weight portions  3320  may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., density, shape, mass, volume, size, color, etc.). The weight portions  3320  may be similar in many respects to the weight portions  120  of the golf club head  100  as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In one example shown in  FIGS. 33-42 , the bottom portion  3340  may include an outer surface  3342  and an inner surface  3344 . Each of the outer surface  3342  and the inner surface  3344  may include one or a plurality of support portions, generally shown as  4110 ,  4120 , and  4140 . The outer surface  3342  may include at least one outer support portion  4110  and the inner surface  3344  may include a first set of inner support portions  4120  (generally shown as inner support portions  4123 ,  4124 ,  4125 ,  4126 , and  4127 ), and a second set of inner support portions  4140  (generally shown as inner support portions  4144 ,  4145 ,  4146 ,  4147  and  4148 ). The first set of inner support portions  4120  and the second set of inner support portions  4140  may be located at any one location or multiple locations on the body portion  3310 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 41 and 42 , the first set of inner support portions  4120  and the second set of inner support portions  4140  are closer to the heel portion  3360  than to the toe portion  3350 . For example, the first set of inner support portions  4120  and the second set of inner support portions  4140  may be located on the bottom portion  3340  between a midpoint of the body portion  3310  and the heel portion  3360 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The outer support portion  4110  may be positioned on the bottom portion  3340  and/or the skirt portion  3390  between any of the weight ports  3800  and/or a periphery of the body portion  3310  as defined by the toe portion  3350 , the heel portion  3360 , the front portion  3370 , and the rear portion  3380 . However, the outer support portion  4110  may be positioned at any location on the golf club head  3300  for structural support of the golf club head  3300 . In one example shown in  FIGS. 33-42 , the outer support portion  4110  may be defined by a groove or indentation that extends on the bottom portion  3340  and/or the skirt portion  3390  from the rear portion  3380  toward and/or to the toe portion  3350  proximate to a periphery of the body portion  3310 . The outer support portion  4110  may have any configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 41 , a width of the outer support portion  4110  may increase from the rear portion  3380  toward and/or to the toe portion  3350  while the outer support portion  4110  may follow a contour of the periphery of the body portion  3310  between the rear portion  3380  and the toe portion  3350 . Accordingly, the outer support portion  4110  may resemble a curved triangular groove on the bottom portion  3340 . The depth of the outer support portion  4110  may be constant or vary. Further, the depth of the outer support portion  4110  may be determined based on the thickness of the bottom portion  3340  and the material from which the bottom portion  3340  may be formed. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each inner support portion of the first set of inner support portions  4120  may include walls, ribs and/or any projection from the inner surface  3344  of the bottom portion  3340 . Each inner support portion of the first set of inner support portions  4120  may extend from one or more of the weight ports  3800  and connect two or more adjacent and/or non-adjacent weight ports  3800 . As shown in  FIG. 41 , for example, the inner support portion  4123  may include a wall projecting from the inner surface  3344  of the bottom portion  3340  and connecting the weight ports  3815  and  3820 . Similarly, each pair of adjacent weight ports  3815  and  3820 ,  3820  and  3840 ,  3840  and  3845 ,  3845  and  3850 , and  3850  and  3815  may be connected by inner support portions  4123 ,  4124 ,  4125 ,  4126 , and  4127 , respectively. Accordingly, the inner support portions  4123  through  4127  of the first set of inner support portions  4120  may define a loop-shaped support region  4150  on the inner surface  3344  of the bottom portion  3340 . The loop-shaped support region  4150  may be closer to the heel portion  3360  than to the toe portion  3350 . Referring to  FIGS. 41 and 42 , for example, the loop-shaped support region  4150  may be located between a midpoint of the body portion  3310  and the heel portion  3360 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Each inner support portion of the second set of inner support portions  4140  may include walls, ribs and/or any projections on the inner surface  3344  of the bottom portion  3340 . Each inner support portion of the second set of inner support portions  4140  may extend from one or more of the weight ports  3800  toward the periphery and/or the skirt portion  3390  of the body portion  3310 . Turning back to  FIG. 41 , for example, the inner support portion  4144  may include a wall connected to the weight port  3850  and extending from the weight port  3850  toward and/or to the rear portion  3380 . The inner support portion  4145  may include a wall connected to the weight port  3845  and extending from the weight port  3845  toward and/or to the heel portion  3360 . The inner support portion  4146  may include a wall connected to the weight port  3840  and extending from the weight port  3840  toward and/or to the heel portion  3360 . The inner support portion  4147  may include a wall connected to the weight port  3820  and extending from the weight port  3820  toward and/or to the heel portion  3360 . The inner support portion  4148  may include a wall connected to the weight port  3815  and extending from the weight port  3815  toward and/or to the front portion  3370 . The length, height, thickness, orientation angle, and/or cross-sectional configuration of each of the inner support portions  4144 ,  4145 ,  4146 ,  4147  and  4148  may be configured such that the inner support portions  4144 ,  4145 ,  4146 ,  4147  and  4148  may provide or substantially provide structural support to the bottom portion  3340 , the skirt portion  3390 , the heel portion  3360 , the front portion  3370  and/or the rear portion  3380 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The first set of inner support portions  4120  may structurally support the bottom portion  3340  by distributing the impact loads exerted on the bottom portion  3340  throughout the bottom portion  3340  when the golf club head  100  strikes a golf ball (not shown). The second set of inner support portions  4140  may further distribute the impact loads throughout the bottom portion  3340 , the skirt portion  3390 , toe portion  3350 , the heel portion  3360 , the front portion  3370 , and/or the rear portion  3380 . In one example, the second set of inner support portions  4140  may include additional walls, ribs and/or projections (not shown) that connect to any of the weight ports to further distribute impact loads throughout the body portion  3310 . While the above examples may depict a particular number of inner support portions, the bottom portion  3340  may include more or less inner support portions. For example, the bottom portion  3340  may include a plurality of inner support portions (not shown) that connect non-adjacent weight ports  3800  (e.g., weight ports  3815  and  3840 ) and/or the second set of inner support portions  4140 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The width (i.e., thickness), length, height, orientation angle, and/or cross-sectional shape of each inner support portion of the first set of inner support portions  4120  and/or the second set of inner support portions  4140  may be similar or vary and be configured to provide structural support to the golf club head  3300 . For example, the materials from which the bottom portion  3340  and/or the body portion  3310  may be constructed may determine the width, length, height, orientation angle, and/or cross-sectional shape of each of the inner support portions of the first set of inner support portions  4120  and/or the second set of inner support portions  4140 . For example, the inner support portions of the first set of inner support portions  4120  and/or the second set of inner support portions  4140  may be defined by walls with rectangular cross sections having heights that are similar to the depths of the weight portions  3800 . The length of each inner support portion of the second set of inner support portions  4140  may be configured such that one or more of the inner support portions of the second set of inner support portions  4140  extend from the bottom portion  3340  to the skirt portion  3390 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Any of the golf club heads described herein may have different configurations of outer support portions and/or inner support portions to provide structural support for the golf club head during impact with a golf ball depending on the size, thickness, materials of construction and/or other characteristics of any portions and/or parts of the golf club head. The different configurations of the outer support portions and/or inner support portions may affect vibration, dampening, and/or noise characteristics of the golf club head when striking a golf ball. Further, the different configurations of the outer support portions and/or the inner support portions may provide structural support to portions of the golf club head that may require additional structural support. For example, a golf club head as described herein may include more inner support portions in addition to the first set of inner support portions and the second set of inner support portions as described herein. For example, a golf club head as described herein may include fewer inner support portions than the first set of inner support portions and the second set of inner support portions as described herein. For example,  FIG. 43  shows another example of the golf club head  2300  with a different configuration of the first set of inner support portions  3120 . In the example of  FIG. 43 , the inner surface  2344  may include a first set of inner support portions  3120  (generally shown as inner support portions  3121 ,  3122 ,  3123 ,  3124 ,  3125 ,  3126 ,  3127 ,  3128 ,  3129 ,  3130  and  3131 ), and a second set of inner support portions  3140  (generally shown as inner support portions  3141 ,  3142 ,  3143 ,  3144 ,  3145 , and  3146 ). Accordingly, the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 43  may be similar to the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 31 , except that the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 43  does not include the inner support portions  3132  and  3133 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In addition to any of the golf club heads described herein having different configurations of outer support portions and/or inner support portions, any of the golf club heads described herein may have different configurations of weight ports in combination with different configurations of the outer support portions and/or the inner support portions. The different configurations of the weight ports may affect the weight distribution of the golf club head. The different configurations of the outer support portions and/or inner support portions may affect stiffness, vibration, dampening, and/or noise characteristics of the golf club head when striking a golf ball. Further, the different configurations of the outer support portions and/or the inner support portions may provide structural support to portions of the golf club head that may require additional structural support. For example, a golf club head as described herein may include more or less weight ports than some of the example golf club heads described herein. For example, a golf club head as described herein may include more inner support portions in addition to the first set of inner support portions and the second set of inner support portions as described herein. For example, a golf club head as described herein may include fewer inner support portions than the first set of inner support portions and the second set of inner support portions as described herein.  FIG. 44  shows another example of the golf club head  2300  with a different configuration of the weight ports  2800 , different configuration of the first set of inner support portions  3120 , and different configuration of the second set of inner support portions  3140 . In the example of  FIG. 44 , the bottom portion  2340  may include a plurality of weight ports  2800 , which are generally shown as  2805 ,  2810 ,  2815 ,  2820 ,  2845 ,  2850 ,  2855 ,  2860 , and  2865 . Accordingly, the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 44  is similar to the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 31 , except that the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 44  may not include weight ports  2840  and  2870 . Also, in the example of  FIG. 44 , the inner surface  2344  of the bottom portion  2340  may include a first set of inner support portions  3120  (generally shown as inner support portions  3121 ,  3122 ,  3123 ,  3126 ,  3127 ,  3128 , and  3129 ), and a second set of inner support portions  3140  (generally shown as inner support portions  3141 ,  3143 ,  3144 ,  3145 , and  3146 ). Accordingly, the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 44  may be similar to the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 31 , except that the golf club head  2300  of  FIG. 44  does not include the inner support portions  3124 ,  3125 ,  3130 ,  3131 ,  3132 ,  3133  and  3142 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 45 and 46 , for example, the golf club head  2300  may include a hosel assembly  4500  with a hosel  4502 , a hosel sleeve  4504 , and a fastener  4508 . In one example, the hosel  4502  may extend outward from the top portion  2330  and does not extend into the body portion  2310 . The hosel  4502  may be configured to receive the hosel sleeve  4504  such that a portion of the hosel sleeve  4504  may located inside the body portion  2310  as shown in  FIG. 45 . The hosel sleeve  4504  may include an outer wall  4505  and a ferrule portion  4506 . The outer wall  4505  of the portion of the hosel sleeve  4504  inside the body portion  2310  may be exposed to the interior space or the hollow space of the body portion  2310 . In other words, as shown in  FIG. 46 , the hosel  4502  does not extend into the body portion  2310  and the body portion  2310  does not include any structure to surround or cover the hosel sleeve  4504 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The hosel sleeve  4504  may be attached to the hosel  4502  and/or the body portion  2310  by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, welding, one or more mechanical locking mechanisms, and/or a combination thereof. In one example shown in  FIG. 45 , the hosel sleeve  4504  may be fixed to the body portion by the fastener  4508 , which may be a threaded fastener such as a bolt. The hosel sleeve  4504  may include a first end configured to receive a shaft (not shown) and a second end  4512  having a threaded bore  4514 . The bottom portion  2340  may include an opening  4516  configured to receive the fastener  4508 . The opening  4516  may be generally axially aligned with the threaded bore  4514  at the second end  4512  of the hosel sleeve  4504  when the hosel sleeve  4504  is inserted into the hollow body portion  2310  through the hosel  4502  as shown in  FIG. 45 . The fastener  4508  may be inserted into the opening  4516  and threaded into the threaded bore  4514  of the hosel sleeve  4504  to fasten the hosel sleeve  4504  to the hosel  4502  and/or to the body portion  2310 . A shaft (not shown) may then be inserted and affixed in the hosel sleeve  4504 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     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 USGA, the 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. 
     Further, while the above examples may be described with respect to golf clubs, the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other suitable types of sports equipment such as a fishing pole, a hockey stick, a ski pole, a tennis racket, etc. 
     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.