Behind The Scenes: Titleist U500 Iron Tour Seeding

We observe Bernd Wiesberger seeding the new Titleist U500 and U510 utility irons at the Irish Open

Behind The Scenes: Titleist U500 Iron Tour Seeding

We go behind the scenes to observe the seeding process Bernd Wiesberger went through when testing the new U500 utility

Behind The Scenes: Titleist U500 Iron Tour Seeding

We’re arrive at the range at the Irish Open in Lahinch early on the Tuesday morning and Liam McDougall, Titleist’s main European Tour fitter, is already hard at work.

It will be a very busy week for him, seeding Titleist’s new U500 and U510 utility irons in the first of a three-week stretch of links golf where this type of club is often the preferred choice over a hybrid because of the lower, hotter ball flight they provide.

He’s just started with Bernd Wiesberger, who at the time played a Titleist 818H2 hybrid as well as a 716 T-MB 2- or 3-iron to add in depending on the course.

Liam has his work cut out as Bernd admits his trusty hybrid is his favourite club in the bag. His caddie is also vocal during the fitting, quite forcefully insisting that the hybrid stays in because of how reliable it has proven to be.

RELATED: Titleist U500 and U510 First Hit Review

Bernd hits a few shots with his 716 T-MB irons and checks the numbers on Liam’s Trackman and they’re hitting the distances he wants.

He then takes a first look at the new U500 models, up close and down behind the ball. It’s clear he prefers the more compact look of the U500 over the U510 and even knocks it with his knuckle to listen to the sound.

Titleist U500 & U510 Irons First Hit Review

Looks play a big part in the confidence you get and Bernd admits he likes what he sees in the U500. It’s similar to his 716 T-MB he currently plays, a little beefier perhaps, and after he strikes a few away, the fast feel and ball flight clearly impress to.

I was surprised at how few shots it took for Wiesberger to gain a grasp of how the new club performs but that said, with the instant feedback from Trackman and his precise ball striking, you can understand how in a handful of shots he gained a sharp enough picture in his mind as to what it could do for him.

Manipulation of the flight was key. Yes Bernd wanted to hit it far, but he also needs to be able to flight it down into the wind, hit a draw to get the ball running and hit a high cut into par fives. The U500 ticked the boxes here.

Distance was also a factor, but not in the way you might expect. Us mere mortals would justify a new club if it promised extra distance, but Wiesberger wasn’t looking to hit the ball further with this club. He just wants it to hit his ideal carry number more consistently, something his caddie is also keen to see, and the U500 delivered here too.

After about 15 minutes, the decision was made. The U500 was going straight in his bag to replace his 716 T-MB 3-iron and he used it to devastating effect that week, finishing second behind Jon Rahm before going one better the following week to win the Scottish Open.

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