LaserGolf gets you in the virtual swing

A 'Light Club' that lets you actually play shots and "hit" the ball replaces a mouse or game-pad as the interface in this 3D golf game. Laser Golf uses the special club in conjunction with a sensor mat attached via USB cable to the PC to simulate a round of golf in every detail - greens, trees, and even sprinklers are rendered in 3D on the screen and exact ball velocity, spin, impact point, water and terrain calculations are made so that "shots" have realistic results.

The Light Club emits a beam of red light that projects a shape like the head of a driver and the "shot" is played by swinging normally at a golf ball placed on the sensor mat. As the light beam passes over detectors in the sensor mat pick up the pulses and software calculates clubhead speed, the angle and position of the club at impact, backspin and sidespin on the golf ball, plus the direction of the follow-through.

The difference is like the steering wheel to a racing car game - the Light Club is as close as you can get to playing with your own golf club. And it incorporates state-of-the-art computer graphics to give you the real feel for being on the fairway.

Players can select from a variety of courses and golfers, or insert their own face into the game using a digital camera. Laser Golf also provides a simulated digital photo of the virtual club hitting the ball showing clubhead speed, follow through, clubface angle and relative impact position.

On-screen player advice is provided along with stereo sound , multiplayer strokeplay, matchplay or skins, 'flybys' from any position on the course and television-style viewing of shots.

LaserGolf is currently available through www.mindflux.com.au for AUD$249.