Meg has won four majors, tell me how many Natalie has won?

Did you read the post? Winning helps, but there's a lot more to "marketability" than winning.

I've been playing for 3 seasons in MN (which means 1.5 seasons for everyone else), and started to take more formal lessons this year. I started out on Big Berthas, and I had been playing with Cleveland CG4 irons (currently shafted with R TT Lite) for the last 2 years.

A month ago, I spotted a half set (7-PW) of AP2 irons (PX 5.5 shafts) at the local golf megamart, and I took a chance and bought them. And you know what? It was probably the best thing I could have done. Even though Titleist would probably label me as "aspiring" (and that would be generous), I think the AP2 half set is perfect for what I want to do.

What did I want to do? Improve my short game. First of all, I can pretty much tell you that my handicap is so high because of my chipping. I just could not chip with the CG4 irons. I actually was shopping for a PW replacement when I came across the AP2s. I've played a couple of rounds with them so far, and for whatever reason, these are so much better for chipping. Suddenly, I had a chance for getting up and down with these. Why? I suspect that the sole design of the AP2 was better for me, plus I wasn't afraid of chunking the chip- that's one area where a smaller head is an advantage. I just couldn't get past the visual of a big honking GI head and topline when I was trying to be delicate with a chip. Also, those half and 3/4 short iron shots suddenly became possible. The shafts felt closer to my wedges (CG11 52 and 58 degrees).

For full shots, the head size may look a little smaller, but when I looked at them side by side with my CG4, it wasn't THAT much smaller. Besides, the true sweet spot is still probably relatively similar in size. The topline on the AP2 looked just right for me. Not too thick (the CG4 is fairly thick), but not too thin either like a blade. Again, I was able to hit consistent shots with these irons. I don't know if it was because of the head, the sole, the shaft or a better fitting, but it worked. I was even able to hit true draws and fades for the first time.

I think there is something to the AP2 head design, with the tungsten/nickel sole doing its CG magic without increasing the sole width and ugliness in the back like GI irons. I felt it was plenty easy to get the ball up, and perhaps even the smaller head size forced me to concentrate and hit the sweet spot more regularly. The feedback is helping me too- I thought I was hitting the ball thin, but I was actually hitting the toe, and I felt it right away with the AP2.

As for the sole, I can even cut a uniform sized divot now. Whether the lie is tight, or I'm hitting in the rough, I feel like these irons can deal with any situation.

I liked the AP2 enough to buy the 6 iron. I'm going to wait to see how the new AP1 looks and decide if I want to build a mixed set with 4/5 irons.

In short, don't be afraid to try these irons even if you're "aspiring" or worse. In fact, they may help you become a better golfer. I'm really psyched to see where I can go with these irons.