Bad weather? Try Golden Tee’s virtual golf

When the winter rains come, it’s time to play arcade or video golf. The virtual golf game developed by Incredible Technologies (IT) called Golden Tee Golf has been described as a “live video arcade game,” batteries not included.

IT came out with the game in 1989 and first found a market in sports bars, but it's now available as a home edition. Over the years, the company has continued to improve this game with degrees of difficulty and more golf courses. Just plug the controller into your TV and select one of the many programmed courses, like Palm Springs. They also include additional tees, yardage to the flag, wind speed and statistical tracking. You can even purchase virtual golf clubs and balls to replace those you lose.

The controller is easy to use and comes equipped with club selection, directional buttons of right and left, forward roll/backspin and the red start button. The golf swing is simulated with a trackball, which provides both a backswing and forward swing. The trackball determines the direction and distance of each spin, drawing and fading the ball. On your TV screen there is an overview of the hole and the flight path of your ball. Your score is added automatically, based on the rules of the USGA.

Up to four people can play or you can play as a single. The options are Play Round, Match Play, Tournament and Driving Range. If you enjoy the game and play for money, there are regional tournaments, national tournaments and the Golden Tee World Championship. This is virtual golf and beats playing in the rain.