Just been having a read at this thread and feel that the game has become more suited to expert pc gamers and mathematicians, rather than golfers.
The only "aid" i use is the avatar movement for putting, though no doubt i could shoot lower scores by using tape measures, extensive notes etc.
Reading other threads, there are calls for driving ranges and practice putting greens, if that happens every course will become a par 54 for some.
For me, i think there is already far too much information and players should have to work it out for themselves, like real life.
What makes this game stand out from others is the real life pictures, we can see approx. distances and elevations with our own eyes.
So do we really need to have green elevation numbers?
Do we really need distance to green?
Do we really need wind numbers?
Do we really need exact putt length and elevation?
Maybe it has changed nowadays with gps etc. i don't know, but when i played, i worked this out for myself.
To me, the game would be a lot better by being more simplistic.
e.g.
You are told the hole distance and there is a fluttering flag to assist you in wind direction, a little bit of flutter, a little bit of wind, more flutter, more wind, you have to approximate and gauge the strength of it and therefore how much your ball will be affected.
Ok, so you have hit your tee shot but there is now no, e.g. "148 yd to pin" info.
What you have is landmarks with yardage markers i.e. bunker 240 yds from tee, large tree 220 yds on left etc etc. and guage where you are in relation to these.
Ok, so we are now on the green, but we don't see "12ft, 3 in down", we see the hole, we see the grid change colour to approximate the slope, and that's it.
I know this will never happen, but to me it would make the game so much more lifelike and enjoyable.
In real life, would anyone honestly think that a beginner could go round SA or Ki in the 50's? BPB and Oakmont in low 60's?
Just a view from a traditionalist.
Thanks