MORGAN SHOEBRIDGE
HANDICAP: 12
WHAT OUR TESTER SAID: The consistency through the set was exceptional. I hit the short irons a bit further than my normal distance, long irons not as much.
 MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Titleist AP1 irons (4-iron to gap wedge) fitted with Dynamic Gold stiff steel shafts.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: They’re solid, for sure. There’s some width in the topline and sole, but the thickness appears like a natural part of the clubhead – the AP1s are magnificent to look at. And with the fitting session we did before the road test, the irons absolutely feel like they were meant to in my hands.
VERDICT: I had never participated in a custom fitting before, so it was an interesting experience. One thing I learnt was my iron trajectory was too high, and Titleist’s fitter presented me with options to correct that.
As a result, my ball flight with the AP1s was a lot lower than usual. I felt I was
squeezing the ball off the face, and it was coming off a lot better and a lot longer. It was exactly what the club was set up to do.
Forgiveness-wise, these irons will allow you to get away with a certain amount of mis-hit. Playing a 4-iron on a 215-metre par-3, I caught the shot thin, but it didn’t end up as far from the green as I thought it would be. You also get enough feedback – whatever kind of shot came off the face, I know why I had done it.
The consistency through the set was exceptional. I hit the short irons a bit further than my normal distance, the long irons not as much. The integrity of the ball flight was very good, particularly in the windy conditions we played in during the test.
FACTS& FIGURES
SUITABILITY: Low- to mid-handicapped players.
SHAFTS: True Temper Dynamic Gold HL and Titleist VS Proto-T 75 are the stock option in the AP1. The stock shaft in the AP2 is Precision Project X.
GRIPS: Titleist Tour Velvet Rubber.
LEFT-HANDED MODELS?: Yes.
 HOW MUCH?: $149 per iron (AP1), $209 per iron (AP2).
TITLEIST SAYS: “Titleist AP irons are ‘advanced performance’, multi-material, dual cavity irons. “The AP1 provides great looks, feel, shot control and higher flight with forgiveness for the skilled and aspiring player. AP1’s high technology, multimaterial construction features a precision cast 431 steel body, tungsten nickel box, elastomer cushion and aluminium cavity plate to deliver outstanding performance and feel.
“The high density tungsten nickel box is laser welded to the back and sole. This moves the centre of gravity lower and deeper to improve launch conditions. The box structure and tungsten nickel material tune low frequency vibration for unmatched solid feel.
“The AP2 is a technical forged 1025 carbon steel iron providing traditional solid feel, looks and shot control for the skilled player.
“The AP2 irons offer a contemporary, confidence inspiring appearance in the playing position with a traditional profile and blade hosel junction. The metallic cavity plate tunes sound and feel and provides attractive cosmetics.”
For more information purchase a copy of the September issue of Golf Australia or contact Titleist on 1800 660 535 or visit the website www.titleist.com
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