I’ve always thought that golf games appeal to an older crowd—the type that enjoys ”smooth jazz” and bland humor. Boy, was I wrong. One session with Links® 2004 made me an instant golf fanatic … even if it is sometimes populated with men in pimp outfits. Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate a courageous sense of fashion, but when a man’s uniform consists of puffy hats and checkered sweater vests, you just have to wonder. But, while that may be what golf (the sport and the video game) used to be like, nowadays it’s got broad-based appeal.
Golf is a game of strategy, patience, and skill. The mechanics are easy enough to grasp, but it takes practice to swing a club over your head without looking like Cro-Magnon man. And, practice is the best way to get the feel for golf.
First Things First Before I was ready to take on the Links world through XSN Sports, I needed to get comfy with the setup. Though the series was traditionally exclusive to the PC, this new title is an Xbox-exclusive, tailored to take full advantage of the console and the controller. Getting started was a breeze, as the game let me pick a player model from a list of pros. I could configure the look of the player as well as club types and skill attributes. Once done, I moved onto the tutorial.
Moving at a comfortable pace, I got familiar with the mechanics of the game. From my first swing onward, the narrator coached me on my technique. Step by step, I learned to drive, putt, adjust for wind, and select the right clubs for the situation at hand. Anything I didn’t get right, I could repeat at my leisure. I could even re-shoot using the Mulligan. No pressure. No hassle. (There was plenty of time for that once I started my first tournament.)
Teeing Off I had the basics down pat, and took to the links for my first event in the Rookie Tour. After completing some brief chipping and putting exercises, I nailed the Par 3 Challenge at Loch Lomand, beautifully recreated down to the smallest detail. From the very first hole, I was immersed in a different world. The trees off the fairway swayed in the breeze, while a small crowd of spectators stirred in the background. I heard birds chirping and the soft murmur of conversation as the announcer educated all in attendance about the history of the course and the proper strategy for approaching the flag.
Thwack! I blasted the ball with a furious swing. It landed comfortably on the grass 250 yards down the fairway, leaving me with the perfectly set up for my approach to the green. Avoiding the bunkers surrounding the turf, I lobbed another shot within 15 feet of the cup, to the crowd’s loud approval. I took advantage of the putting camera and adjusted my shot, so as not to blow my chance at a birdie (that’s “one under par” for you golf newbies). My shot was so perfect that the action slowed down and an unseen photographer snapped off a series of photos of my masterful putt.
It’s moments like this that provide me with the most satisfaction. At the end of the tourney, the announcers streamed a highlight reel of my best performances. It was invigorating to start off on the right foot, but there are many challenges ahead, on many courses around the world. I can’t wait for my next real test.
