Irons dilemma

[TRS30]

Looking for some advice guys.

Went for a custom fitting session today for a set of irons. Hit lots of different make ups and the guy finally recommended a set of AP1's. Said I would think about it and let him know tomorrow.

Got home and did a bit of research (included on here) and looks like these are designed for mid handicap.

While this is fine as that what I am now, my plan is to get to single figures by the end of the summer.

As the clubs are pretty expensive I don't want to have to get a new set for a while, so what i am wondering is would these irons become unsuitable if i get to a lower handicap?

 

[Macster]

Mid teens to single figures in one season is a tall order, but good luck !

I have AP2's and they took me a few months to get used to them, but love them. Maybe try some as well as the AP1's, and see how they feel/look ?

Unless you have already ?

 

[SammmeBee]

What is you current handicap and how do you currently play.....golf is like learning to drive a car, learn to pass the test then learn to drive......take the advice, use the user friendly clubs to get better and reduce your handicap and then think about getting another set to improve yourself further.....

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think you'll find that getting from 14 to 9 in a single season won't happen. Even if it did as the clubs are custom fitted why wouldn't you be able to continue using them. Its a short sighted view especially when more and more tour players are using cavity backed clubs. If they are looking for extra help why shouldn't you.

 

[brendy]

Id go with the AP1's and look after them (headcovers will preserve the backs of the clubs and prevent bag chatter), when you get to the handicap where you feel they are doing you no extra favours, Id then speak to the pro and see about trading them on for the ap2's. The AP2s ont make you a better golfer, you need to do that yourself which is possible with almost any set of reasonable clubs.

 

[TRS30]

I know getting to single figures (9.9!!) will be hard but after a couple of years of playing a bit and not practicing at all can play to 14 on a regular enough basis. This summer have joined a club so plan on playing at least 4/5 times a week.

Chris- tried both today and hit the AP1 better. Why did you go for the 2's over the 1's?

 

[Andy]

9.9 aint single figure.

Andy

 

[SammmeBee]

9.9 aint single figure.

Andy

I was just about to post that!!! Get to 9.4 and than worry about whether the irons are right or not.....

 

[TRS30]

Homer/Brendy- I guess that's what I am trying to find out.

Why would you get to a handicap where you would have to change to the AP2? Is there such a difference that at some point the AP1 would be hampering your game?

 

[IM01]

If these clubs are going to knock 5/6 shots off your hcp why would you need to change.

I play off 2hcp and have just recently changed to Tour Burner Irons,not the prettiest but hugely effective and very forgiving.

Never once contemplated anything remotely looking like a blade,these clubs have been designed to help you so why noy use them.

 

[TRS30]

Out of interest IM02, why you go for the Burners?

 

[brendy]

I would say the AP2s are harder to hit consistently where the AP1's have a larger hitting area making it more forgiving. The down side is that they are less workable though to what degree I dunno though I have definately gained a lot of confidence when faced with a shot requiring a bit of bend. I got my AP2s just over a year ago while I was enjoying my iron game, it has come on even more since and apart from a bad spell of putting my handicap should have dropped. A new putter, decent fairway averages and these irons should have me back down to my previous 6 hopefully this year, if not early next year.
Im not trying to put you off the AP2's, they truely are fantastic irons to hit and look at, I am only saying that it may be money better spent getting the handicap down a little, getting consistent then going for the lower handicap irons. Titleists will hold onto a reasonable value for trade in (or private sale). I love my AP2s when I hit them flush, they feel great, bad shots go nowhere though.
As Cilla's Graham used to say, "the decision is yours!"

 

[IM01]

My local pro had a 2nd hand set which I took out for a couple of rounds.Liked the forgiveness of the longer irons and gained at least 1 club in length compared to my old TM Lts(more like a blade).
Tried 6 iron of MP57s AP1 AP2 but never felt as good as the Burners.Local Pro would match(well almost) internet prices of 399.
If it works for you thats what matters.If the AP 1s get your hcp down stick with them.

 

[TRS30]

Thanks Brendy.

I could see from the tape he put on the club that I have a very repeatable swing but he said the clubs I have are not suitable for me. So I am happy to get CF clubs but just want be to able to use them for a few years and hopefully continually improve.

 

[CliveW]

Looking for some advice guys.

Went for a custom fitting session today for a set of irons. Hit lots of different make ups and the guy finally recommended a set of AP1's.

You don't say where you went for the fitting session. Was it an independent or a Titleist centre? What other clubs did you try? My opinion is to go with what feels best for you, I certainly can't offer any advice as to what you should go for.

 

[Cernunnos]

If something looks right & feels right, then go with it. It really doen't matter which AP model you decide on now, as long as you like them now. Worry in a couple of years down the line.

If you choose the harder to hit ones now you may apreciate the challenge, but you'll only start to apreciate them to their full potential as they are getting worn out, especially if you are going to put in the work needed to get the handicap right down.

I've been fitted several times now & I'm yet to need anything significatnt in the way of adjustments. Infact I could have simply bought off the peg, so to speak.

 

[Smiffy]

The biggest difference between a good solid 9 handicap player and a 2 handicap player is their short game. Anybody who can hit the ball a reasonable length, and reasonably straight will get down to 11 or 12. Getting below that will require a short game that is reliable and will get you out of scrapes. I wouldn't worry about the irons I am playing, I would be practicing and improving my chipping and putting and any expenditure on clubs to get lower would be on wedges that suited me.

 

[DCB]

I can vouch for IMOs use of the Tour Burner irons. He strikes the ball extremely well with them. Laser guided from where I was standing (the rough mostly). In fact I've got my last session with the shrink today so will soon be over the gubbing he handed out at Goswick !

No where's that Whale music CD.

 

[TRS30]

Clive- was an independent fitter, they stock all makes and I tried a couple of TM's, Mizuno and a Callaway.

Thanks for the advice guys, have had a sleep on it and decided to go with the AP1. Hit them the most consistently and felt the best.

 

[Macster]

I wanted a change from my very 'chunky' Zing2's, after 12yrs I felt they were perhaps past their best, and the AP2's were more pleasing to me visually than the 1's, simple as that.

If you tried them both and found the 1's the most consistent, go with that, i'm sure they will help you get down.
But, as has been said, its your short game that will really make a difference, I have played with lower handicappers than me that I outdrive, but their wedge and chipping play is simply miles more consistent than mine.