Golf clubs: Learn to play virtual golf

Now you can get your golf clubs out and practise your moves in your own home

If you can't get enough of golf and you want to be playing it all the time, now you can. Except, for this type of golf you don't even have to leave your house. Gone are the days of war and motor racing video games. Now we have golf. Whether you want more practice or you're just in it for fun, Real World Golf on PlayStation 2 is a must.

The player holds a foot-long plastic golf club and wears gloves which are attached by very strong string to a Gametrak motion capture home technology unit. The movement of the gloves is mirrored in real time by the on-screen character.

Real World Golf offers a completely novel gaming experience and for that it has to be congratulated. First of all, it is easy to grasp. For example, navigating the menu is simply a matter of stretching out either the right or left gloved hand and pressing a floor button. As for the golf, you choose which set of golf clubs you are going to use, ranging from amateur to professional characteristics. Amateur golf clubs mean that you do not hit the ball far, but generally it goes in a straight line. On the other hand, select professional and the ball may end up in the next state.

Putting is one of the best things about this game. When you get on the green, which can take a fair few whacks, the game tells you how hard you have to putt the ball to hole it. You then get the option to take practice swings. Each time you take a practice swing it tells you how hard your stroke is.

It takes a long time to get better at virtual golf, but improvements are rewarded along the way by being granted access to all five of the game's golf courses. There are lots of modes, tournaments, match play and even fun party games where you try to hit targets on a virtual driving range. You can also compete in two player party games and match play.

The commentary is pretty uninspiring and Real World Golf is not cheap; the game costs $47.00 and the Gametrak $38.00, but you can use it with another game, the Tekken-style fighter Darkwind.

Apart from the lack of garish pants, however, Real World Golf is very true to life and it and the Gametrak offers a unique gaming experience bound to make traditional gamers take notice.

Of course, if you want to stick with the real thing, then you should check out Sports HQ. A division of Confidence Sporting Goods, inc., the famous manufacturer from Palm Springs , California , we have been making quality sporting goods for 35 years. We sell a huge range of sports equipment, including golf clubs. Because we sell directly to you, you can expect to save up to 70% on normal retail prices when buying from us. To order, phone 1-800-603-0004.