We sat down with Titleist Golf Club General Manager Steve Pelisek to discuss the tungsten-fuelled performance behind the new Titleist 716 AP1 and AP2 irons

The new Titleist 716 irons are now on sale, offering more distance and forgiveness thanks mostly to an increase in the use of high-density tungsten. This concentrates weight exactly where Titleist engineers want it, to optimize the centre of gravity position within each iron to create the best trajectory and playability through the set.

As Steve Pelisek, Titleist Golf Club General Manager, told us at the official launch at Fairmont St Andrews back in August, Titleist are using tungsten on an unprecedented scale to increase the performance. It is found in three of the four new 716 models which range from the game improver 716 AP1 all the way through to the bladed 716 MB model.

“In the case of AP1 we wanted the tungsten really low,” Pelisek told GM. “A low CG increases launch, which meant we could normalize this trajectory by strengthening lofts slightly while maintaining stopping power on the greens.”

The AP1 has a larger overall size, longer blade length, thicker top line and more offset compared to the AP2. The AP1 has a higher MOI and is on average 3° stronger through the set but both have the same stock shaft length. The AP1 3-7 irons have 42g of tungsten on average, 50% more than 714 while the AP2 3-7 irons have 56g of tungsten on average, 25% more than 714.

In terms of feel, the 716 AP2 irons feel a little softer than AP1 down to the co-forging process but also because AP1 is geared more towards distance and has a feel to match that.

Where both irons excel is the distance control on offer. Both AP1 and AP2 offer very tight levels of distance consistency from front-to-back on both well-struck shots and slight mishits while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Shots that you would expect to miss the green may now find the putting surface.

If you want more of a traditional looking iron and are more worried about feel and distance control, the AP2 should be your choice. But if you want as much help as you can get to achieve out-and-out distance and aren’t too fussed about looks, the AP1 could well be your perfect match.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x