AP2 for beginner

[JoskeVermeulen]

Hi all,

I've never played golf in my life and I will take my first lessons soon.
Of course I'm in need of some game improvement clubs but I'm quite 'lucky(it's how you look at it)' to inherit a full set of brand new AP2 714. I really don't have an idea if they are good or bad but after a little browsing on the forums, I quickly figured out they are definitely no beginner clubs...

So my question is. What will be the biggest problem when using the AP2's as beginner? Is it really bad to use them? Is it just a matter of a steeper learning curve? Do I need to practice harder and spend more time on the driving range? Or is it even impossible to learn the basics with these clubs?

Thanks for the advice!

Regards,
Joske

[14ledo81]

I would definitely use them if I were you.

Before you dropped money into clubs, you should find out if you even like golf.

[Valleygolfer]

There are mixed opinions with using clubs of this caliber to start with. Some will say not to because of the lack of forgiveness or in other words, lack of performance with poor contact which would lead to less enjoyment initially of the game. Others would state that if you didn't know any better, you would learn to hit the clubs eventually and end up being more accurate because of the requirements of the club.

They are great clubs so if you can get through the early stages of poor shots that lack distance and have proper instruction to teach you to correctly hit golf shots, you may be alright. Or maybe you should just trade someone for their AP1's which would be easier to hit.

[dkolo]

There are mixed opinions with using clubs of this caliber to start with. Some will say not to because of the lack of forgiveness or in other words, lack of performance with poor contact which would lead to less enjoyment initially of the game. Others would state that if you didn't know any better, you would learn to hit the clubs eventually and end up being more accurate because of the requirements of the club.

They are great clubs so if you can get through the early stages of poor shots that lack distance and have proper instruction to teach you to correctly hit golf shots, you may be alright. Or maybe you should just trade someone for their AP1's which would be easier to hit.

I mean, they're not Super Game Improvement irons by any stretch, but they're not THAT far towards the players iron end of the spectrum. While they're probably not the best fit, that shouldn't be confused with being a bad fit. I think they still offer plenty of help for a high handicapper. The low 500s Maltby Playability Factor of the AP2 is a little less than Callaways X2 Hot iron and about even with its X2 Hot Pro model. So it's not like it plays like a bladed iron or something.

To answer the original poster: you'll be fine. If anything, you just won't appreciate what a truly awesome club you're starting out with. It's like taking driver's ed in an Audi: over the top, but won't make a difference. If you had bladed irons or something, that'd be like taking driver's ed in a Ferrari.

[SavvySwede]

So my question is. What will be the biggest problem when using the AP2's as beginner? Is it really bad to use them? Is it just a matter of a steeper learning curve? Do I need to practice harder and spend more time on the driving range? Or is it even impossible to learn the basics with these clubs?

No learning curve or anything to worry about. Just about every cavity back iron made in the past ten years is easy to use, even the one marketed to the lower handicapper. The first club I ever swung was a hickory shafted wood dug out of a garage, and that was around 2003. Consider yourself spoiled.

[Vinsk]

I have the AP2 714 4-W with DG S300 shafts. What a beautiful set of irons. As the gentleman said ....consider yourself spoiled. Many of us "older" guys grew up without GI irons as they're called. We all survived. My first set was a hand me down set of Northwestern Thunderbirds. Since you're saving a bundle on the irons...I would invest the savings in lessons and/or at least get fitted for a driver. Welcome to golf. And remember...the only thing easy in golf is a one foot putt. Well usually. Well...maybe 6"...if it's straight , and uphill, or...oh nevermind.

[JoskeVermeulen]

Thank you all for the great replies! Just had my first lessons on the driving range... Now I understand what everybody means with forgiveness :)

[danL]

You got a nice set of clubs there, use them. I'm definitely not good, but when I was learning to play as a kid we didn't even have these super game improvements clubs. You'll be fine if you have patience and will.