Ben An’s recent win at the DP World Tour and Korean PGA Tour’s Genesis Championship highlighted a unique aspect of his game – the presence of a 1-iron in his bag. This unusual club choice has caught the attention of many in the golfing world, as the 1-iron is a club that has largely disappeared from the bags of PGA Tour pros in favor of easier-to-use alternatives such as 5-woods, 7-woods, and hybrids. An’s decision to carry a 1-iron sets him apart from his peers and speaks to his confidence in his ability to control the club and compress the ball effectively.
The 16-degree Titleist U505 driving iron that An carries is not a traditional 1-iron, but rather a modern iteration with hybrid-like properties. It features a flat face like an iron, but also has a wide sole and low center of gravity like a hybrid, making it easier to launch and control. The addition of tungsten weights in the heel and toe further enhances the club’s forgiveness and MOI, allowing An to hit it consistently and accurately off the tee. An and his team made the decision to add the U505 to his bag after experimenting with various other options, including strong-lofted fairway woods and high-lofted fairway woods.
The U505 1-iron has proven to be a valuable asset for An, particularly off the tee where he can utilize its low loft to hit straighter shots with optimal launch and spin rates. Despite the club’s unconventional nature, An has found success with it and has incorporated it effectively into his game. The U505 1-iron is not just a club for elite players, as it is also available to recreational golfers looking for a versatile utility club that offers high launch and forgiveness. Its design, which draws on input from Tour players, provides confidence at address and improved feel and sound at impact.
The U505’s enhanced feel, improved off-center accuracy, and effortless turf interaction make it a standout option for golfers seeking a reliable and versatile club for various situations on the course. Its tour-validated looks and performance characteristics make it a top choice for players looking to reclaim their long iron game and add a valuable tool to their bag. An’s success with the U505 1-iron serves as a testament to the effectiveness of modern driving iron designs and the benefits they can offer to players of all skill levels.
In conclusion, Ben An’s use of a 1-iron at the DP World Tour and Korean PGA Tour’s Genesis Championship has sparked interest in this unique club choice and shed light on the benefits it can provide to players looking for a reliable and versatile option off the tee. The Titleist U505 driving iron has proven to be a valuable addition to An’s bag, offering high launch, forgiveness, and control for shots that require precision and accuracy. Whether you are a professional golfer or a recreational player, the U505 1-iron represents a modern solution for those seeking a reliable and effective club for various situations on the course.
