Charles Kennett of Newmarket England sought a way to concentrate more weight behind the ball. So he devise and patented an iron with a thicker than normal blade that included holes in the hosel, heel, and toe. According to his 1928 British patent, the holes in the heel and toe could be left completely open or they could sometimes be filled with lightweight rivets of aluminum or other material to keep debris from collecting in the holes. The holes would allow weight from the toe, heel, and neck to be moved to the middle of the face. As executed on this iron, the blade is  thicker than most, and has more weight centered behind the ball than the typical iron.  

It was also thought that the holes drilled in the hosel would help the shaft stay connected to the head.  It was believed that leaving portions of the shaft exposed to air and moisture would allow the shaft to expand in those areas, and slightly fill the base of the hole, thereby strengthening the connection to the head.  However, it also ran the risk of helping the wood to go soft and eventually rot....

Complete with its original 39" shaft and grip, this Kennett iron remains in beautiful original condition. Kennett's drilled-face iron is a great companion piece to the Kennett plug-face iron also offered in this auction.

Perforated face clubs are among the most sought after by collectors. They have a strong visual presence, they represent great history, and few remain. This Kennett drilled-face 1-iron is among the rarest perforated face clubs.