A golf club head composed of a forged metal material has a striking surface that is supported by diagonal stiffening regions that extend from a central region of the face toward the heel-sole quadrant, heel-crown quadrant, toe-crown quadrant, and toe-sole quadrants of the face. The diagonal stiffening regions are smoothly contoured to blend into the back surface of the face so as to avoid any stress concentrations. By extending the stiffening regions diagonally from the center of the club face to the four quadrants, a more uniform stress distribution can be obtained and therefore more uniform performance. Additionally, since the diagonal stiffening regions are greater in length than vertical or horizontal stiffening region could be made, the center of the face can deflect a greater amount without exceeding the yield strength of the material and, therefore, there is a more efficient transfer of energy from the club head to the ball.