*****************************************************************************
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 -=
