Me Winning Isn't, You Do.

Golf is a game that translates particularly well to video games; both its never-ending complexity and its steady reward through consistent play have been nearly perfectly captured in golf titles throughout the years. The pace of the game lends itself well to video games as well; you rarely feel rushed when playing video golf, even when playing online.

Unfortunately with the decline of Microsoft's XSN sports offering, the future of the popular Links series (which Microsoft owns) is now in question, leaving video game golfers the sole remaining choice on the major consoles: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005. While Tiger Woods does a lot of things right, mainly an approachable swing interface that is easy to pick up, as well as gorgeous graphics and a decent course editor, it still leaves a lot to be desired in terms of long-term challenge and re-playability.

Personally, I miss the old days of PC golfing. I spent hours sitting with my Dad in the basement of our house, pounding out round after round of both Links and the Jack Nicklaus series. I have a special affinity for the mouse swing interface and I absolutely adored expansion packs, which gave you practically limitless replay by adding additional courses from all across the world. In those days you always felt that, in a golf game, you were most definitely getting your money's worth.

Today's golf games have a lot going for them, including improved interaces and gorgeous graphics. In addition, there's a plethora of mobile golfing games designed for cell phones out there as well, such as the well-received Jamdat Sports Golf 2004. Video game golfers still have a lot of options these days, they just need to dig a little deeper to find them.

By the way, extra credit goes to the person that can idenfity the movie from which this journal entry title came. Got a guess? Let me know in the comments section of this post!