I think I’m finally getting the hang of this game. The controls, while precise, are easier to master than I once thought. Maybe it’s the euphoria of victory clouding my perception, but the more I play Links 2004, the better my game gets. On to the next challenge—after all, there are more than 30 tournaments, spread out over five tours. I’ll be quite busy this season …
The Pro Tour After pummeling the competition, I made my way to the Pros. The League extended a nice invite, and soon enough, I was on the green. First, I had to prove myself through a short, but rigorous set of challenges (six in all). These skill events focused on each segment of a hole, forcing me to zero in on one particular type of approach at a time.
The “Approach” challenge required me to land my shots on the green from varying distances, in different weather conditions. Only one mulligan was allowed, although three attempts were allotted per hole in this three-hole exercise. Encouraging words occasionally broke the silence at Loch Lomand, as the announcer offered up advice and commentary at each step. I didn’t need the help, though—I was able to make it through the first time out. Easy stuff. As the tests came down, the difficulty ramped up for each one. The “Bogey or Better” exercise forced a little extra out of me, as I had to secure my lead, finishing the circuit one over par or better.
The most stimulating contest that came my way was a replication of the 1990 British Open. Tossing in a little golf history, Links 2004 put me to the test: I had to replicate Nick Faldo’s win against Payne Stewart. Set against the majestic backdrop of St. Andrews Old Course in England, I had the chance to play holes 15 through 17. Starting at even par, I had to finish this three-hole segment one under par or better. It wasn’t easy to read the course and compensate for crosswinds. Luckily, I could play as many times as I wanted. Believe me, I did. After a few retries, I satisfied the judges and moved on.
Using the skills I had just honed, I breezed through the rest of the exercises in record time. It was time to bring on the competition. After all, this is a Pro Tour, not a driving range.
Inauguration The total purse at the Pro Tour Inaugural was $142,000—not a bad amount of scratch. I had to finish fifth or better to move up three spots in the rankings. Currently, I’m number 80, but that’s going to change. I started the match at Loch Lomand on the right foot, landing a birdie on the first hole. I can see victory in the distance …
