*IMO* I prefer this more than overly realistic golfing games!
I've had a lot of enjoyment from this game and it was about 10 dollars, and I still feel that since the graphics weren't the best or visually superb to other golfing titles, I believe that's were it's gameplay has kept me amused.
The controls were very easy to navigate around the course and using topspin or backspin were good. The use of the C-stick is where it can come as a challenge; too fast = make a slip, too slow = not as far. Using the C-stick was a pretty good location that made my shots between Good and Excellent.
The game also had quite a bit to work off of, from unlocking new characters or gear to also building up stats on equipment. Even the Mission Mode was pretty tough, and I've played this game a lot since I last bought it. But the best thing of all is the MULTIPLAYER, with the Gamecube's 4x outlets, you can have a big golfing tourney going and this game does offer quite a bit to various game modes.
Even though Mario was fun, it was short and left me coming back to this. Atleast give this game a try.