WGT Golf News

Now that you've had a chance to sample the WGT Beta, here are some tips for getting the most out of your experience. Your profile is where the community discovers you, a place to share your accomplishments, and a way to meet new virtual golf buddies. Below are some tips on spicing up your profile:

Add Friends

Adding friends is easy. Go to the profile page of the player you'd like to add, then click the ADD AS FRIEND button to the right of the avatar. After your friend confirms, you will see a green circle next to their name in the Friends module whenever they are online and available for a multiplayer game!

Collect Awards

Who doesn't love a mantle full of trophies? The more you play, the better you get, and the more awards you'll win. Click here to see a chart of the awards that are available.

Post Your Replays

Sometimes saving a replay is the only way your friends will believe that you made a 41 ft putt. To do this, click on VIEW REPLAY in the lower left-hand corner of the game client while your drive or approach shot is in motion (on the scorecard if you've just finished a hole). Then click SAVE and name your replay. You can even send replays to your friend's email address, by clicking SHARE.

Share Your Thoughts

The blog is a great way to share an interesting picture or video, make announcements, or jot down your thoughts. Simply click on NEW BLOG POST and type away. Your friends will be notified when you make a blog post.

Make a Virtual Tee Time

Don't see your friends online? Go to their profile page and post a Wall message to suggest a virtual tee time. The Wall is also the place to brag to your friends, or just to say hi. Simply click on NEW WALL POST, and leave a message!

:: Voilà—A Fabulous Profile Page! ::

Best,
Alex

Now through October 31, you can do good and get a chance to win one of four luxurious prizes valued at over $13,000 by playing in the Jerry Lewis Open and Jerry Lewis Sweepstakes tournaments.

The game of golf has a long history of supporting philanthropy causes, and with your help and our partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), we are proud to extend this tradition online by hosting these tournaments on WGT. Your entire entry fee goes directly to supporting Jerry’s Kids.

There are two ways to play and give:

Jerry Lewis Open Stroke Play Challenge

Entry Fee: $20

This is a skills competition on The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. Included with your registration is either a one-year subscription to Golf Digest Magazine, or a six-month subscription to GolfWorld Magazine. Each subscription has a $12 value.

Prizes

1st Place: Kiawah Island Golf Resort package

• five-night stay with three rounds of golf for two
• airfare ($1,000 maximum)

2nd Place: The Westin La Paloma Golf Resort package

• two-night stay with one round of golf for two
• airfare ($1,000 maximum)

3rd Place: A set of TaylorMade golf clubs with bag

Jerry Lewis Sweepstakes Challenge

Entry Fee: $10

Enter this sweepstakes and play a closest-to-the-pin challenge at the Bali Hai Golf Course in Las Vegas.

Sweepstakes Prize

Las Vegas Golf Package

• four rounds of golf for two at the Bali Hai Golf Course
• five-night stay at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas
• airfare ($1,000 maximum)

Let’s tee it up!

Alex

A little over two years ago, a small team of us embarked on a simple idea—allow people to play world-famous golf courses online and feel as though they are really there. It didn't matter that it hadn't been done before, or that most people thought it was impossible. Today, two world-class courses, a slew of technology patents, nearly one million players and thousands of putts later, we are unveiling our beta product.

The beta includes our new course, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and host of the 1991 Ryder Cup and 94th PGA Championship, which you can play tee-to-green. Also new are:

• Multi-player capability with in-game chat functionality – up to four players can tee off against one another and razz each other while doing so
• Alternative play options – choose between tee-to-green play or closest-to-the-pin competition
• Tournament rewards – compete in tournaments to win prizes ranging from thousands of dollars to luxurious golf vacations
• Variety of swing options – new additions include punch, chip, flop and putt
• Personalized avatars – choose between several avatars and outfits, both male and female
• Personalized profile pages – share your game stats, videos, pictures, friends, replays, activities, favorite equipment, and blog posts
• Forums – get game tips, share advice, or talk about the latest golf news

We've also added two more blogs to our lineup:

• Peter Kessler, the XM Radio personality, golf historian and former Golf Channel host, will share insights and anecdotes drawing on thousands of interviews he has conducted with the individuals who have shaped the game of golf.
• Josh Zander, "Class A" PGA teaching professional at the Stanford University Golf Course and Golf Digest contributor, will offer tips and post videos on improving your golf game.

We hope you enjoy the beta, and welcome your feedback in the forum. There are many improvements coming, and your feedback will help to shape them and make this the best golf experience online!

Cheers,
WGT Team

Did you know that you can send bug reports directly to us while you are playing the game? This is especially helpful if you'd like to report a bad camera view or incorrect ball flight, because the report will automatically make a note of what you were viewing when the bug occurred.

I was reading today about how the financial meltdown may lead to a glut of empty and unfinished golf courses. Golf, generally considered to be a discretionary activity, is expected to take a hit as Americans cut their spending. Do you plan to cut down on the number of rounds you play because of the financial crisis? As for me, I will be playing golf for free, on my computer.

Alex

Watching the Ryder Cup this weekend I couldn’t help but think about the pressure the two teams were under trying to “win for their country”.  While most of the players are friends, or are at least friendly to each other, during the PGA season, it was clear that the friendships were put on hold this weekend.

Anthony Kim, who was unbelievable taking down Sergio on Sunday, was not shy about making Sergio putt those little testers.  Boo Weekley and his down-home southern personality rubbed some of the Europeans the wrong way, but his determination and sense of humor kept the Americans loose.  Hunter Mahan, another Ryder Cup rookie, was solid.  All in all, it was a fantastic event!

The most amazing thing from the weekend was the realization of just how good these players really are.  It seemed like every putt went in, and every approach shot was next to the pin.  I am in awe of all of the players.  I can’t wait for two years from now when they get to do it all over again!

What do you think was the biggest moment or momentum changer for the US?  I think Kim dominating Sergio as the first twosome of the day set the tone.  The Europeans could not muster up enough game to take down the Americans after that!  Good job USA!

Photo: Getty Images

In China, “official numbers” never tell the whole story, and golf is no exception. New golf courses are said to be springing up every day, despite a ban on new courses that has been in effect for five years. At the Bayhood No. 9 International Golf Club, breathtaking scenery and luxurious accommodations intermingle with views of power lines and cranes, all partially veiled by pollution. But no matter, golf courses are packed from morning until night.

Overpopulation has its advantages too. When you play a round at Bayhood No. 9, each player gets two caddies. Play with three of your buddies, and you’ve got an entourage fit for a minor celebrity.

Video: GolfDigest

I hope all of you are having a great Labor Day and enjoying the time off. If you get a moment please check your local TV station or go here www.mda.org to watch the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. WGT is a proud partner of the MDA to further the treatment, diagnosis and bettering the lives for people with muscular dystrophy.

The LPGA’s announcement that members will be required to speak English by the end of 2009 has set off strong reactions, from dismay to satisfaction. Is it for the good of tour members, or an arbitrary rule with racist undertones? Will this start a trend in other professional sports, or will it be dismissed as an anomaly? It will be interesting to see how this plays out. What do you think?

Photo: www.seoulsisters.com

The combination of golf and barbecuing can feel a little forced sometimes, especially when it takes the form of quirky gifts. Golf and cooking classes however, seem like the perfect fit, not because golfers are necessarily interested in cooking, but because their significant others might be. Throw in exotic destinations like Tuscany, and you’re guaranteed a happy spouse and lots of golfing for yourself. The Celebrity Chef Classic on Hilton Head Island even boasts cooking demonstrations by Sara Moulton and Ming Tsai. Vacation with a bit of glamour — sounds perfect to me.

Photo: golfdigestpromotions.com