Reply #6: Okay, I've been playing with it a bit

[lazarus]

the tutorials and instructions aren't as clear as they could be. For instance, it mentions you can put spin on the ball, but doesn't tell you how anywhere. I finally remembered it was quickly pressing L1 and using the left stick for direction.

You CAN set it up for three click operation. That's where you hit X three times to hit the ball, instead of using the analog stick. I prefer the stick, but you can go into settings and change it easily.

Putting is getting easier now that I've figured out what I'm doing, but it's harder than on 04. Less forgiving. I'm having a bear of a time doing my short game, as figuring out how to manipulate the stick to hit the ball at 40% or 60% is pure trial and error. I finally figured out how to set up my own shot (you have to use the d pad to move the target circle), and then you can manipulate various elements of the shot, including choking the club (with R3).

I'm enjoying it so far. It's about as frustrating as real golf, which means there's some real payoff, for instance when you finally sink a 30 foot putt.

You can play Road to the Masters, where you start as a rank amateur. You play various amateur events, and gain XP from things like fairway in regulation or green in regulation. You then use XP to increase your skills in various things. Right now, I'm pouring everything into putting, but I'm about to move to short game. Eventually you go to Q school and get your tour card.

The first event is a 9 hole amateur at TPC San Antonio, which my dad is a member of, and where they're having a tourney this weekend.

Oh, and you can do online play with actual PGA events, where you get mixed in with the real life leaderboard, as well as all the online players. There are also daily and weekly challenges online.

Finally, my big complaint. In the 04 edition, you could eventually unlock every item in the pro shop and gain the highest sponsorship level by performance only. As far as I can tell, in 12 you can buy sponsorship levels with real world cash, and I think there is some high level gear you can only get by purchasing it in the real world. That bites. I spent enough on this game (got the special edition for all the extra courses), I don't feel like spending any more. But I probably will. Sigh. I'm a sucker for dlc.