Question About Titleist AP3 Irons

[golfer2b2000]

I have been playing Titleist for probably the last 15 years or so. I started playing the blade, then went to the CB 690 series, then to the 716 AP1,s, the 716 AP2.s and now I just purchased a used set of 718 AP3,s from the people at 2nd swing golf.

All of my sets I purchased have been from  a golf shop, except my new ones from 2nd Swing. All my sets before these have matching serial numbers etched on the top of the hosel. This set I just received have nothing, except one of the irons does have a serial number on it.

 I did contact the people at 2nd Swing Golf, and they said they would issue me a refund if I want. They have always treated me very well there.

 So what gives here...The set looks like new, I feel I got a great price on them, but again I am concerned about the non-serial numbers. I am sure it wont effect the playability of them, but for sure will affect reselling them if I ever desire to do so.

 Your help would be greatly appreciated.

 Thank you

[billchao]

Contact Titleist and see what they say.

How long do you have to decide to return them?

[golfer2b2000]

I have 30 days

[Vinsk]

1 hour ago, golfer2b2000 said:

I have been playing Titleist for probably the last 15 years or so. I started playing the blade, then went to the CB 690 series, then to the 716 AP1,s, the 716 AP2.s and now I just purchased a used set of 718 AP3,s from the people at 2nd swing golf.

All of my sets I purchased have been from  a golf shop, except my new ones from 2nd Swing. All my sets before these have matching serial numbers etched on the top of the hosel. This set I just received have nothing, except one of the irons does have a serial number on it.

 I did contact the people at 2nd Swing Golf, and they said they would issue me a refund if I want. They have always treated me very well there.

 So what gives here...The set looks like new, I feel I got a great price on them, but again I am concerned about the non-serial numbers. I am sure it wont effect the playability of them, but for sure will affect reselling them if I ever desire to do so.

 Your help would be greatly appreciated.

 Thank you

I believe a set that isn’t customized will only have a serial number on say the 5i or 6i. If they were customized then all the clubs would have a serial number.

[David in FL]

FWIW, my 718 AP2’s are serialized on each clubhead.  

[Archie Bunker]

Got a great garage sale deal on Titleist including  a set of AP1 irons last year. Played ok, but was looking for graphite shafts (These had Dynamic Gold). Sent them in for a trade in and got a call. They were counterfit! Looked pretty authentic to me, but the lack of serial numbers on the hosel are a dead givaway. Luckily, the other clubs in the bag (woods, irons, vokey wedges and hybrids did have serial numbers and were genuine. The new Callaway bag these came in covered the garage sale price by itself, so it was a good deal anyway. Got the counterfit irons returned to me (the company offered to destroy them) and I've actually come to like them. But yes, if your Titleist irons do not have etched serial numbers on the hosel, you can be sure they are counterfeit. I'm surprised Second Swing didn't catch this one. Buyer beware!

[Vinsk]

1 hour ago, David in FL said:

FWIW, my 718 AP2’s are serialized on each clubhead.  

Yours aren’t off the shelf either right? 

[David in FL]

3 minutes ago, Vinsk said:

Yours aren’t off the shelf either right? 

I spec’d shafts and grips, but both are standard Titleist options.  I can’t imagine why that would change serial numbers.

I have a good buddy that has new, off the shelf AP3’s.  I’ll look at his in the next day or two...

[golfer2b2000]

No they are not. I have heard nothing but praise for 2nd Swing, and have always been treated good there. I will give Titleist a call this coming week and see what they have to say.

[Archie Bunker]

42 minutes ago, golfer2b2000 said:

No they are not. I have heard nothing but praise for 2nd Swing, and have always been treated good there. I will give Titleist a call this coming week and see what they have to say.

Let us know. I'd be surprised if Titleist would sell these clubs without serial numbers. Calling them will be the best idea. I'm sure they deal with a lot of these questions.

Edited April 12, 2020 by Archie Bunker

[paperclip]

As I understand it:

- if the clubs were originally bought "off the rack" (ie not customized by Titleist), then only the 6-iron would have a serial number.

- if the clubs were built by Titleist via custom order, then all of the clubs in that custom order would have the same serial number (ie it would track back to the order ticket internally at Titleist).

5 hours ago, Archie Bunker said:

Got a great garage sale deal on Titleist including  a set of AP1 irons last year. Played ok, but was looking for graphite shafts (These had Dynamic Gold). Sent them in for a trade in and got a call. They were counterfit! Looked pretty authentic to me, but the lack of serial numbers on the hosel are a dead givaway. Luckily, the other clubs in the bag (woods, irons, vokey wedges and hybrids did have serial numbers and were genuine. The new Callaway bag these came in covered the garage sale price by itself, so it was a good deal anyway. Got the counterfit irons returned to me (the company offered to destroy them) and I've actually come to like them. But yes, if your Titleist irons do not have etched serial numbers on the hosel, you can be sure they are counterfeit. I'm surprised Second Swing didn't catch this one. Buyer beware!

Serial numbers don't always tell authenticity. Counterfeiters have also been known to etch fake serial numbers onto clubs to fake authenticity.

2nd Swing has been around for quite a while, I doubt they would sell counterfeits. After this COVID thing is over, a phone call to Titleist could probably give you the set's history (ie specs, original shafts, grips, etc.)

 

[golfer2b2000]

I believe what paperclip has posted is probably the case. Sounds more logical anyway. These clubs look perfect. Hard to believe they are counterfits. There is a serial number on just one club and it happens to be a six iron also.Dealing with 2nd Swing in the past has always been a pleasure, and they have always been very knowledgable, and helpful.