Abstract: A composite-metal wood-style golf club head having a metal casing with at least two openings in the crown in which composite covers are disposed. The portion of the metal casing between the covers defines a bar-like stiffener that extends between the face and the back in a direction generally perpendicular to the face. The metal stiffener braces and reinforces the face against flexure during impact with the ball, while the composite covers optimize weight distribution and provide other advantages. The club head may include a composite core with a relative thick portion behind the hitting face to further reinforce the hitting face against flexure.