To:     All Links 386 Users

From:   Mark Werner, Access Tech Support

Re:     Low Recorded Game Scores

  During the last couple weeks there have been some very low scores on some
of the recorded games that have been uploaded on all of the on-line services.
These games are legitmate recorded games.  The recorded game files have not
been modified.  What is happening is that some of the more devoted users of 
the game have learned to use a feature/flaw of the recorded games.
  Let me explain what the flaw is and then explain how they have learned to
use it to their advantage.
  When you choose to play a recorded game, 386 Pro automatically assigns some
parameter choices for the game.  Those choices are as follows:
  1.  The wind is turned off.
  2.  The placement of the pins on the greens are always the same.
  3.  The green surface is always set to normal.
  The result of these parameter assignments is that the ONLY variable that
really comes into play on any shot is the users ability to hit the 12 and 6
marks on the Swing Meter.
  What these devoted users have done is spend hundreds of hours charting shots,
changing clubs and club setups and, above all, practicing the swing until
they have been able to determine what club and club setup to use, where to 
aim and how to swing on every shot on every hole on every course.  In essence,
they have developed a system of "GROOVING" every shot during a recorded game.
  For example, the 39 shot by FAST EDDY on Troon North was a legitmate game.  Ed
did his homework and spent many hours practising his swing.  He also spent
many hours playing each course to perfect his skill/play.  The round was the result
of a lot of blood, sweat and probably tears AND a certain amount of LUCK.
  What I want to say is that these low scores are within the reach of all Links
386 players if they put in the hours to become proficient at the game.
  The Development Team here at Access did not expect some of the users
of the game to become so consumed with the game that they would go to such
lengths to be perfect.  The Development Team is in the process of evaluating
the recorded game feature.  Bruce Carver told me today that they will probably
make a revision to the EXE file within the next 2-3 weeks.  This revision will,
at least, allow the wind to be enabled.  If they decide to correct the flaw/feature in the
recorded games by enabling the wind option, then all recorded games using the
old executable will be obsolete.  BUT, all recorded games using the new executable
will be more realistic and your tournament scores will be more realistic.
  I am including another text file that I have obtained from the author, Ken Huizenga
who frequents the Delphi service which explains in great detail how the low scores
are achieved.
  I hope that this helps explain what is being done & will help all of you become
better Linksters.  If you have any more questions please contact me at the following
locations:

    America On-Line           Linkspro1
    Compuserv                 70127,766
    Delphi                    Linkspro1
    Prodigy                   GBVV20A
    Genie                     XKY98115
    Access Tech Support       800-793-8324  EXT 201

    Thank you for all your support of Links 386 Pro and keep in touch.

    Sincerely,  Mark Werner, Access Tech Support.

PS  Ken informs me that there are some techniques that he talks about that have since
been banned by the group on Delphi because they go contrary to the realism of the game.
These things are the procedure of aiming off the screen to bypass trees and other
objects and the procedure of bypassing the snap in the swing.  Good Luck and
Thanks to Ken for his dedication to the game.   MW, LINKSPRO1