AP1 (2010)

First impression

Titleist says its AP1 irons are 'advanced performance, multi-material, dual cavity irons providing improved feel, great looks, shot control and higher flight with forgiveness for the avid to skilled golfer.' In a nutshell, even golfers with normally low self-esteem can suddenly use these clubs.

Looks

Not as intimidating to the mid-handicapper as previous Titleist irons which have always been perceived as out of my league compared to the clubs labelled 'user-friendly game improvement'. Looked down at address at the chunkier top line and had to double check the logo that it was actually a Titleist I was about to hit. Maybe not too classy a club for me after all.

Feel/performance

Normally I'm a handsy low-ball hitter you'd have thought was born and raised on a windswept links. True, I normally play tidily in the wind with my low trajectory shots but I have a secret desire to hit high, floating irons that plop to earth like buttered toast on a carpet. The AP1s even delivered with a buttery feel, courtesy of the soft elastomer in the back cavity reducing vibration. They also had a lively ball flight with which I'm am not usually familiar. I couldn't wait to tell anyone who'd listen that I could become a Titleist convert.