***************************************************************************** Top Player's Golf FAQ For the Neo Geo/CD Version 1.0 (Created 7/27/2010) By Devin Morgan This file is Copyright (c)2010 Devin Morgan. All rights reserved. ***************************************************************************** Table of Contents 1. What's New 2. Introduction 3. Controls 4. Overview 5. Courses 6. Copyright Notice ***************************************************************************** -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= 1. What's New -= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Version 1.0 (7/27/10): The first version. ***************************************************************************** -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= 2. Introduction -= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Top Player's Golf is the definitive golf game for the Neo Geo. It is simple and easily enjoyable as soon as you pick it up. There are two courses you can experience in the game, each with unique features, as well as three different game modes. The Nassau Game mode adds a slight twist to the standard golf game. In any event, for some good arcade golfing fun, I would seriously recommend this game. It is totally worth it, if not for the simplistic nature of the game. There are other golf games on the system, but this is the best one I think. ***************************************************************************** -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= 3. Controls -= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Start: Start game Select: Pause/resume game Joystick: Move cursor on menu screens, move crosshairs during game A: Make selection, stop meters and switch clubs (during game) B: Cancel selection, exit course/shot screen, switch clubs (during game) ***************************************************************************** -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= 4. Overview -= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ========== Game Modes ========== After the title screen, you will be asked to choose to play a 1-2 Player game. Once you make a choice, you will go to a menu where you can pick the game mode you want to play in: Stroke Play: Play a regular 18-hole game by yourself. Match Play: Play a regular 18-hole game against a second player. Nassau Game: Play a regular game of golf, but with a point system based on performance, as well as added bonus points by making certain shots on some holes. Once you select a game mode, you get to pick from four different characters to play as. There is no difference between any of them, it's only for visual effect. Next, you can pick from two different 18-hole courses to play on. After you make your pick, the game begins. =========== Nassau Game =========== The Nassau Game mode is quite similar to your standard golf game, but with a couple of twists. You play against a computer player, but before the game begins, you can choose from "Out" and "In". Out means you play Holes 1-9 first, and In means you play Holes 10-18 first (you eventually play all 18, it's just a matter of what order you do this). As with Match Play, each player takes turns swinging at their own ball. After each turn, the player who is farthest away from the cup gets to go first. In Nassau Mode, there is a scoring system in place, determined by how well you do compared to your opponent. On certain holes, there will be an added bonus shown on the screen, where if you drive the ball the farthest on the first stroke, or land the closest to the cup on one stroke, you will win additional points at the end. This will be shown on the screen when it comes up. At the end of 9 holes, and again after 18 holes, the scores will be tallied. For each bonus shot you win, you get an additional 20 points. You will receive 10 points for each stroke below the opponent you are (or lose 10 points for each stroke above him). Basically, the scoring is meaningless, since the objective is to complete the course with less strokes than your opponent. ================ General Gameplay ================ In the game of golf, the main objective is to hit the golf ball along the hole (there are 18 holes in a course) and ultimately into the cup at the end of the hole. Each time you take a swing at the ball, it is called a stroke. Depending on how many strokes you took to get the ball into the cup, as well as the "Par" for that course, you are given a score. The Par value is the suggested amount of strokes it should take an average player to get the ball into the cup. If you take less strokes to get into the cup, you are given a negative score; more strokes gives a positive score, while Par gives an even score. Ideally, the lower (more negative) your score, the better you are doing. At the start of each hole, your female caddy will offer some quick advice for the hole ahead. You will be shown a quick overview of the hole itself, how many yards the hole is (from your starting point to the cup), and its Par value. You are given about 40 seconds to take action during your turn. This includes time spent changing clubs, aiming, and actually shooting. During the game, you will have three main options to change along the left side of the screen. The "Shot" option is when you are ready to take a swing, the "Course" option lets you view the entire course from overhead, as well as the topographical layout of the green (the area surrounding the cup), and the "Club" option is where you can switch the club used. There are many different clubs, but you are generally given the most appropriate one to use by the computer. Each club has a value showing how many yards of distance you can send the ball with it. Usually the computer gives you the right club to use, but in some situations you will want to switch it. When you select the "Shot" option, you will see the power meter along the left side. You can still move the crosshairs with the joystick (it helps a LOT to use the Course option in conjunction with moving the crosshairs to aim more effectively). There will be a red arrow which signifies the direction that the wind is blowing. This will have an effect on how your ball will travel in the air once hit, so keep that in mind. Press A and the meter will start to move up and down. Depending on where it stops, that will determine the strength and type of shot you make. For a weak/short shot, the blue zone is best. The straight shot is in the small red zone between the two slices. For curved shots, use the other two colored sections. The closer to the middle marker you are, the more accurate your shot will be. Generally when putting, you do NOT want to go at full strength; filling only a small part of the blue zone will be more than enough. When the meter fills to the spot you want it to, press the button again to stop it and you will take a swing. Once the ball lands, your next turn will begin from that point. There are a variety of surfaces along the golf course. The most common, and easiest to hit from, is the "fairway" (light and short grassy surface). The "rough" is longer grass, causing your ball to not go as far when hit. There are "bunkers" of sand which can hinder your ball's movement as well. If you land in the water, the ball will sink and you will be penalized one stroke before having to take the shot again. Around the cup area is the "green", and you will get to see a smaller display showing how the green area is sloped. Take this into consideration when putting as you would on an uneven surface in a real game. Once you drop the ball into the cup, that hole is complete. If it takes you eight shots to reach the cup, you will automatically forfeit the hole and your score will suffer from it. ========= Post Game ========= The game does not actually end when all holes are complete. The mode you are in loops repeatedly, so there is no definitive ending. You do get to see the score card after the course is complete, but that is about it. ***************************************************************************** -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= 5. Courses -= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ========================= Top Player's Country Club ========================= Total: 7,149 Yards, Par 72 Hole 1 ------ Length: 394 Yards Par: 4 This first hole has a small stream running through the middle of it, so you will have to shoot across it to the fairway strip, then a second time to the northeast green. Aim towards the northwest with a straight shot and you will have no trouble landing on the fairway. The green area slopes to the east, with the cup in the middle of it. This is overall a very straightforward course with ample fairway for you to land on safely. Hole 2 ------ Length: 535 Yards Par: 5 This hole is vertically-oriented with a long stretch of fairway in the middle of it. Along the sides are small bunkers, so aim carefully to avoid them. Your first shot should land you near the first one, but the wind can be tricky, so be prepared. It should take two strokes to get to the north end of the fairway, then a short shot over to the green will suffice. The green slopes to the northeast here. It is an easy hole to get a Birdie on. Hole 3 ------ Length: 184 Yards Par: 3 Although this course is short, the green is almost completely surrounded by a sand bunker. You will almost certainly land in the smaller one south of the green after your first stroke. I would recommend shooting a straight shot with the 4W club since you will be more likely to get across the southern bunkers and skim across the green, possibly landing in the rough. Otherwise, hitting normally and putting out of the bunker is not a bad option; just don't overshoot the green! The green slopes directly northward, so keep that in mind if you are putting out of the bunker. Hole 4 ------ Length: 362 Yards Par: 4 This course has a large water hazard with a long island of fairway in the center area. For a good start, aim slightly to the right from your initial position and use a slicing shot (stop the meter in the green at the top) to land on the fairway. That way you will have a good shot at landing on the green within two strokes. The green slopes to the northwest, but it is very possible to get a Birdie on this hole. Hole 5 ------ Length: 439 Yards Par: 4 This course is another straightforward one with curves in the middle. It is a good idea to aim over the trees directly north of the start, and land on the fairway along the middle of the path. Be careful on the second shot since you can easily overshoot the green or land in the sand bunkers, even if it means to use a club with slightly lesser range. As for the green itself, it slopes westward so keep that in mind when trying to land on the green and putt into the cup. Hole 6 ------ Length: 192 Yards Par: 3 Here you have a short and simple hole with small bunkers surrounding the green. It is unlikely you will reach the green on your first shot, especially with the deep rough to the south, coupled with the eastward wind. It's also unlikely you will get less than a Par on this hole, but if you putt lightly and take into account the green's slope, you will have a good chance. Hole 7 ------ Length: 380 Yards Par: 4 This hole features a pond directly ahead of your starting point, which means you need to aim for the fairway to the east of it. If you are brave, you can shoot across the first pond and land in the deep rough among the trees. If you manage to land in the fairway or even the rough at the north edge of it, a straight shot over the second small pond and bunker will likely get you to the green. The green slopes southward, but with luck, you will land close to the cup within two strokes so that won't be as much of an issue. Hole 8 ------ Length: 586 Yards Par: 5 For this hole, you have a long straightaway to let loose on. The fairway is a narrow strip in the center with subtle curves leading into hazards if you are not careful. Go for straight shots while considering the wind speed/direction and you will be able to get to the green in no time. Hole 9 ------ Length: 417 Yards Par: 4 This hole has a river running horizontally across the middle area, with a large pond south of the green. There are also small sand bunkers along the sides of the fairway. For the first stroke, aim with a straight shot and with luck, you will be able to skip across the river easily. Don't try to shoot directly across the pond though, or you may end up getting penalized. It will be tough to get less than a Par here, unless you had perfect strokes leading to the green. Hole 10 ------- Length: 450 Yards Par: 4 This hole can be quite tricky due to the high amount of hazards scattered throughout it. You will want to aim for the fairway on the left side while steering clear of the bunkers. For the likely second stroke, make sure it is a strong enough shot to get across the river safely. Be careful since the green is immediately at the other side, and if you hit too strong, you will go into the bunkers or out of bounds! Hole 11 ------- Length: 168 Yards Par: 3 This short and simple hole has the green in the middle of a lake. If you shoot a straight shot directly at the green using the right club, you will make it to the green and land just slightly in the rough. That way, you will have an easy time putting onto the green and the cup. Hole 12 ------- Length: 461 Yards Par: 4 This hole is relatively straightforward with a wide stretch of fairway leading to the green. The tricky part comes with aiming so you avoid the bunkers along the sides. For your first shot, you will want to anticipate landing near the first bunker on the east side, so aim accordingly to avoid landing/rolling into it. The green slopes to the northwest, which will help when going from the fairway to the green in the end. Hole 13 ------- Length: 434 Yards Par: 4 For this hole, you have a zig-zag type of curve in the fairway ahead, with bunkers at the corners. The first stroke should land you near the start of the curve, opening up a lighter slice over to the north end of the fairway. That way you can use your third stroke to get onto the green safely. There is rough surrounding the green, and bunkers to the south, to slow you down, so you will be fine here. Because of the layout, a Par is likely the best you will be able to do on this hole. Hole 14 ------- Length: 423 Yards Par: 4 This hole has another tight curve halfway through it. The first stroke should put you in the corner of the curve, between the bunkers. For your second stroke, a slightly less powerful club and a straight shot, combined with the northeasterly winds, should get you onto the green easily. Be careful when going towards the green, since there is a pond south of it, and the wind can easily take you there if you are not careful! Hole 15 ------- Length: 592 Yards Par: 5 Now this is a LONG hole for you! From the start, you need to hit your way across a gap of water to reach the narrow fairway. It is relatively simple to get up the fairway on your first two strokes, but you will want to aim according to the wind speed to be successful. It should only take two strokes to reach the far end of the fairway, and a third lighter (fill the blue zone only) hit onto the green using the putting wedge. It is possible for you to overshoot the green, so be careful not to use your straight shot here. If you land in the southern bunker, that will be better than rolling to the edge of the course or shooting out of bounds. Hole 16 ------- Length: 414 Yards Par: 4 This hole can be tricky due to the pond in the middle of the fairway, coupled with the curves on both sides. Honestly, it is a much safer bet to deal with the rough along the west side and use strong straight shots to get through it safely. The green is relatively small with bunkers on both sides of it, so you need to aim/hit carefully to avoid overshooting it and landing in the rough. Hole 17 ------- Length: 190 Yards Par: 3 The trickiest part about this hole is the huge sand bunker which comprises most of the playing area. You need to shoot across it to reach the green, which is almost completely surrounded by the bunker. It is very likely you will land in the bunker, but as long as you are very close to the green, you will be in great shape. That way, you just have a simple putt/slice to the cup. Hole 18 ------- Length: 528 Yards Par: 5 The final hole of this course is an interesting one, indeed. You can take the safe path westward along the straightforward fairways, or take a chance at landing on a small patch of fairway in the middle of a lake. You would gain a huge shortcut by crossing the lake, but it is VERY unlikely you will succeed. If you take the safer route as expected, it will be easy to reach the green within three strokes. That way, you can try for an easy Birdie to finish off the course. ============================ SNK Championship Golf Course ============================ Total: 7,028 Yards, Par 72 Hole 1 ------ Length: 414 Yards Par: 4 This first hole is a straightforward one. There is a narrow strip of fairway leading to the green, and minimal bunkers along the sides. If you can get past the side bunkers with your first stroke, you will have a good chance of reaching the green on the second stroke by aiming carefully and using a straight shot. The green slopes northward, which may not help when hitting from a distance, though it is easier to deal with when putting on it. Hole 2 ------ Length: 565 Yards Par: 5 For this hole, you have another easy time in reaching the green due to the long stretch of fairway. For your second stroke, you can shave some distance off by aiming over the trees on the west side and hitting straight with a strong club. When approaching the green, try to hit lightly if you are at the tip of the fairway, so as to avoid landing in the bunkers surrounding it. Hole 3 ------ Length: 367 Yards Par: 4 This hole is interesting since you need to hit the ball over a cliff to reach the fairway ahead. If you aim directly northward (the wind blows southward) and use a strong straight shot, you will get there easily. The toughest part will be getting to the green, given your position after the second stroke or so. If you hit lightly enough, you will be able to reach it while avoiding the bunkers, putting you in the running for a possible Birdie. Hole 4 ------ Length: 168 Yards Par: 3 Being that this hole is short, you will be able to reach the green quickly with a single straight shot. The only thing is that you will likely land in the bunker just short of the green, but that is fine since it will keep you from overshooting the green at least! That way, you can putt onto the green for an easy Birdie/Par if you are skilled. Hole 5 ------ Length: 352 Yards Par: 4 This hole is another relatively straightforward one, with a curve along the fairway segment. Aim northward with a straight shot, and the wind will help you land on the fairway between the bunkers safely. With your second shot, you should be in close range to reach the green with another well-aimed straight shot (I recommend the putting wedge or 9I club). That way, you can putt your way across the sloped green to get a Birdie here. Hole 6 ------ Length: 165 Yards Par: 3 This hole has the green on an island, separating you from it at the start. You need to use a stronger club than the one given to you initially (I would suggest the 3I) and use a straight shot to land on the island. Most other shots will send you into the water, costing you big time. If you make it across safely, it should be an easy shot to the green and into the cup. Hole 7 ------ Length: 430 Yards Par: 4 On this hole, you have a very straightforward series of strokes to make along the fairway. Aim slightly to the left of where you want to go, to account for the wind velocity. For your second stroke, you can easily reach the green if you play it right. Use a straight shot and aim to the right of the pond since you are at a good enough distance away to reach the green, and hit the bunker to limit your overshooting. Then, it's an easy putt into the cup. Hole 8 ------ Length: 421 Yards Par: 4 This hole is another simple one, only with a more curvy fairway section. Stick with the provided aim at the start and use a straight shot to land on the fairway with ease. Use a stronger club for your second stroke, as there is a stream ahead that you need to cross safely (4I would be best). The green slopes to the northeast, so keep that in mind when putting towards the cup. Hole 9 ------ Length: 534 Yards Par: 5 Here, you have a zig-zag type of fairway, with large ponds beyond its curves. Your first stroke should land you between the ponds, so use your second shot to travel over the southwest corner of the second pond in order to land safely on the fairway ahead. The final push onto the green may be annoying since it is close enough to warrant a lighter club, but far enough to make you fall short. There are bunkers surrounding it, but the rough is to the north, which will help slow down your ball if necessary. As for the green, it slopes directly northward, so consider that when putting. Hole 10 ------- Length: 410 Yards Par: 4 This hole has a very small sliver of fairway in the middle area, so you need to make sure you get onto it! Luckily, the wind blows straight ahead, so this will definitely help you. Because of the wind though, you will want to use a lighter club when hitting onto the green so you avoid overshooting it. The green slopes to the northwest, so if you can land in the northwest corner, you will be less affected by it. Hole 11 ------- Length: 423 Yards Par: 4 On this hole, you have a slightly curved path to follow. The wind again blows to the north, so you can use that to your advantage in gaining additional distance with your first northwest-bound stroke. From there, you can easily reach the green by using a slightly less powerful club than what is given to you. Aim slightly to the right to avoid the bunker, and you should be within range for an easy Birdie. Hole 12 ------- Length: 194 Yards Par: 3 This hole may be tricky, since you not only have to cross a stream, but you also need to pass over a pond as well, all in one shot! I would recommend using your strongest wedge club and hitting a straight shot right across everything. Even if you end up overshooting the green and skimming over the bunker, you will be stopped by the rough. It's easier to work backwards on this hole rather than dealing with the pond and stream combination more than once. Hole 13 ------- Length: 570 Yards Par: 5 For this hole, you have to get past a stream running diagonally across the middle of the area. It is unlikely you will get across it on your first stroke given the wind direction, so it would be faster to go directly northward and land in the rough near the trees (not the deep rough, though). That way, you can use your second stroke to get onto the fairway further ahead and cross the stream all at once. Getting to the green may be tough due to its location among bunkers, but it is possible if you are patient and careful with your shots. The green slopes southward, so consider that when putting/hitting onto the green from a distance. Hole 14 ------- Length: 438 Yards Par: 4 Here, you will find the green is atop a cliff far to the north. For your first stroke, shoot straight ahead to land at the end of the fairway, giving you a good shot at getting over the cliff for your second stroke. The green is immediately beyond the cliff, so aim carefully to avoid an overshot. The cliff is not nearly as far back as it seems, so you may even consider using a slightly weaker club and a straight shot to get there. The green slopes to the southeast, so keep that in mind when making the final shot into the cup. Hole 15 ------- Length: 416 Yards Par: 4 On this hole, you will have a similar situation, only this time it is a stream you must cross. Use a slightly weaker club to get onto the fairway for the first shot, that way you will be able to cross the stream and pond on your second stroke. The green is just beyond the pond, so hopefully you will not overshoot it. There is another stream beyond the green, so a precise aim and shot is key here. The green slopes eastward, which may help deter your ball from rolling far off, but the wind is not in your favor at this point. Hole 16 ------- Length: 561 Yards Par: 5 This hole is slightly broken up due to the landscape. It is easy to land in the water due to the wind, so aim slightly to the right with each shot to avoid it. At the north end, you need to cross a gap to reach the green area. There is a narrow strip along the east end, but it would be easier for you to make a weak slice to the northern tip of the fairway, followed by a straight shot over the gap. Once you get to the green, it will be an easy Birdie/Par for you at least. Hole 17 ------- Length: 174 Yards Par: 3 This hole is a very short one, with no real hazards between you and the green. The only downfall is that there is no fairway, only rough in between. Using a straight shot and the 3I club, you will be able to reach the green quickly. If your shot is precise, it is even possible for the rare hole-in- one here (for that, maybe the 4I with a straight shot would be better). Once on the green, it slopes northward, so you will have an easy time reaching the cup. Hole 18 ------- Length: 426 Yards Par: 4 On the final hole, there is a strong eastward wind to deal with. Adjust your shot to the west to avoid being blown way off course and into the sand bunkers along the sides. It should only take two strokes to reach the north end of the hole, if not right onto the green. To reach the green in two strokes, use a stronger club for the second shot and aim according to the wind. As for the final green, it slopes to the northwest, so consider that when putting to the final cup. ***************************************************************************** -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= 6. Copyright Notice -= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This file is Copyright (c)2010 Devin Morgan. All rights reserved. Please view the following URL to see the list of sites that are allowed to post my work: http://www.freewebs.com/dbmfaqs/allowlist.html This list is comprised of sites I know and trust well. If your site is not on the aforementioned list, you are currently not allowed to post any of my files on your site. Please respect my work and do not steal it or post it without my permission. I only want my most recent work to be available and I do not feel that can be achieved if others take from me without my knowledge or permission. If you are writing a FAQ for this game as well, and would like to use some information, credit me for what you use. Please do not rip me off, as that is blatant plagiarism and such will not be tolerated. If you wish to contact me, do so at dbmfaqs(at)gmail(dot)com. Please only contact me if there are corrections to be made to information that's currently included. Thanks! http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/recognition/3579.html =- End of File -=