What Does Super-Game Improvement Mean?

Question

I'm caught between clubs. Currently I play Tommy Armour 845s irons. I'm striking the ball well with a slight pull, but currently I'm still a pretty hight handicap (22). I would like to get a new set, but will more offset in SGI clubs lead to an even bigger pull?

I was looking at Cobra S9s but have shifted to Titleist 775.CBs or Bridgestone GC Mids because most I've talked to have suggested that the 845s are more like a blade/game improvement iron due to the "old" technology and the small head (they came out in 1988).

I plan on getting this set fit to my specifications, and I am truely interested in improving my game. I used to get out 5-8 times a year, now I'm playing about 40 times per year like I did in high school when I was more a 15-18 handicap.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Super Game Improvement means the marketing department is working really hard to sell you a set of clubs.  Usual characteristics include a lot of perimeter weighting to keep off center hit going fairly straight, and a lot of weight in the sole to get the ball up in the air.  If you are going to get fitted for your next set that alone might take care of  your pull shot, and unless you want to hit the ball really high I would stay away from the "super improvement" clubs.

Answer 2

Super Game Improvement or Max Game Improvement clubs are for high handicap players.  Leave the Titleist alone.  Those aren't the clubs for you.  The Cobra S9 would definitely be a much better choice.  Other choices would be the Wilson Di7, TaylorMade r7 Draw, Mizuno MX-19, or the Nike Ignite.  Definitely get fitted for your clubs.  Offset provides more forgiveness and are easier to square.

Answer 3

Here is a link to an older yahoo question about this: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Also, a forum post about a few sgi clubs: http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?...

Answer 4

Super game improvement irons are for the people who play only occasionally and have no intentions on working to improve. I don't think they're for you.

Since you're still a higher handicap but looking to improve, I think a good mid sized set of cavity back irons would be a good fit. They won't be incredibly difficult to hit, but you will be able to feel your mistakes and work the ball when your ball striking improves.

I play with clubs from a company called KZ Golf. They are custom built clubs, which might be something you'd like to look into. Even if you aren't interested in them, check out their website. They have several different styles of clubs, and list handicap ranges for each. This will give you an idea of the styles of clubs you could look into.

Answer 5

Aside from going to a zero offset club (I have the same problem), you may want to simply open the face a bit at address and think more about center of gravity and sole width as important factors. Here's a good rule of thumb I use, I don't want an iron sole twice the size of the hosel. That looks and feels like a shovel to me. They are effective, but clumsy too. You might consider getting a driver fitting also, and don't forget about your putter.

Cobra makes a higher playability iron than Titleist (I know, I know - same company) so the S9's or even the FP's might play better for you than the 775's. If you are set on Titleist, consider a set of older 804's. You can get them pretty cheap now.

Super Game Improvement means you need all the help you can get, it sounds like you are probably a little better than that or at least have the ability to be. I'd stay toward the middle of the playability pack.