From: steveco@microsoft.com (Stephen Cox)
Subject: Re: MicroSoft Golf?
Date: 12 Aug 92 20:13:37 GMT
Organization: Microsoft Corporation

In article <2933@ariel.its.unimelb.EDU.AU> mjb@mulka.ph.unimelb.edu.au (Michael Beeching) writes:
| 
| Just been to the PC show (Victoria Australia) apart from
| being big on live video and big screens (love those 6FG's)
| there was a demo of MicroSoft Golf for windows. It looked
| exactly like LINKS, though the setout was adapted to
| Windows. (mention of LINKS was made in one of the "info"
| menu selections) Anybody else know anything about this?
| 
| Michael



Straight from the Microsoft Press Release;


Microsoft Announces Golf for Windows

Computer Simulation Offers Users the Best of Golf Game
Technology and the Best of Windows

	REDMOND, Wash. -- June 23, 1992 -- Microsoft
Corporation today announced Microsoft* Golf for WindowsTM, a
remarkable new golf game for the Windows operating system.
Microsoft Golf for Windows features photo-realistic and
topographically accurate simulations of the Torrey Pines golf
course in San Diego and is compatible with the Access line of PGA
championship courses.  Microsoft Golf gives users complete
control over every facet of the golf swing including clubface setup,
lie, swing plane, club, and swing.
	"Microsoft Golf demonstrates a new level of realism in
computer simulation products and also offers a compelling example
of how Windows can be a great platform for entertainment
products that are fun and easy to set up and use," said Susan
Boeschen, vice president, Microsoft Consumer Division.  "We are
excited to add another simulator program to our product line and
build upon the expertise that Microsoft originally demonstrated
with Microsoft Flight Simulator - the all-time best-selling
entertainment product for the PC over the last ten years."
	In an effort to combine the best of computer golf
technology with the best of the Windows environment, Microsoft
has teamed up with Access Software Inc., developer of the award-
winning golf game for the MS-DOS* operating system, Links*
The Challenge of Golf, to create this easy-to-use, realistic golf
game.  Access has developed the most accurate and realistic golf
ball flight equations, and are experts at transforming live video of
golf courses into digitized computer images that capture every tree,
sand trap, contour, lake, and ball-washer on an actual golf course.
In Microsoft Golf these capabilities have been combined with the
push-button Microsoft Windows interface complete with online
help, multiple windowing configurations and support for 256 colors
to produce a product that is both fun and easy to use.
	"We are excited about combining our golf game technology
with the expertise of Microsoft to provide users with a way to play
an invigorating game of golf in the Windows environment," said
Steve Witzel, Vice President of Marketing for Access Software Inc.
"This is also exciting because it gives users the ability to play all of
the courses that are available from the Access library, and those
that will be available from Access in the future."

Realism Intensifies the Fun and Excitement
	Microsoft Golf for Windows provides users the same
challenges and fun as a real game of golf.  With its outstanding
graphics and precise user control over the swing, Microsoft Golf is
more than just a game - it is an interactive test of the user's skills.
Whether its a tough lie in the sand trap or a tee-off into a strong
wind, Microsoft Golf will always provide users with the excitement
of golfing on a real course.  Users can also put a 3-D grid over the
fairway or green at any point in time to direct their shots.  Even real
sounds such as chirping birds, club swings, and the voices of other
golfers are included in Microsoft Golf for Windows, which will
work through the PC speaker using the Real SoundR driver, a
patent-pending sound process developed by Access, or through any
sound board compatible with Windows, available separately.
	Microsoft Golf for Windows also gives users precise control
over their swing by allowing them to adjust their setup on every
shot and for every club based on winds and lies and has golf ball
flight equations that simulate a true golf swing.  To help perfect the
users' game, Golf for Windows allows them to preview the course
layout with aerial views of every hole, practice at the driving range
or putting and chipping greens, analyze their last shot or hole in one
with the instant-replay feature, or with just one click they can take a
mulligan or a gimme.  With Golf for Windows users also have a
choice of teeing off with up to eight golfing partners.  And for
those days when users don't have enough time to finish the full
round of golf, Golf for Windows gives them the ability to save a
game and return to the shot later.

Ease of Use
	The interface and controls for Microsoft Golf are
specifically designed for Windows.  Because of this, the product is
easy to setup and use, and users can quickly switch out of a golf
game to another application.  No special configuration of the PC is
necessary to play Microsoft Golf for Windows.

Play Real-life PGA Courses
	Microsoft Golf for Windows lets users play on all seven
courses in the Access Links Championship Course library, which
includes famous PGA Tour event courses such as Troon North in
Arizona, Pinehurst in North Carolina and Firestone in Ohio.
Microsoft Golf for Windows ships with the Torrey Pines Course in
San Diego, CA, site of the annual Buick Invitational tournament.
The additional courses allow users to continually experience new
challenges and play courses that they may have never dreamed
possible.

Pricing, Availability and System Requirements
	Microsoft Golf for Windows is scheduled to be available in
the 3rd quarter of 1992 for a suggested retail price of $64.95.
Other language specific versions of Microsoft Golf for Windows
including French, English and German will also be available in the
3rd quarter of 1992.

***************************
STEVE;  MS WinGolf was released to manufacturing at the beginning of
	the month - should be shipping very shortly.  Check with your
	favorite local vendor or mail order company for availability!
*******************************

	Microsoft Golf for Windows runs on a personal computer
with the MS-DOS operating system version 3.1 or later and
requires a VGA or higher (color and Super VGA recommended).
It also requires Microsoft Windows graphical environment version
3.0 or later (must be acquired separately), a personal computer
using an 80286, 80386, or higher microprocessor (80386
recommended), 2 MB of RAM, one 5.25" high-density (1.2 MB),
or 3.5" high-density (1.44 MB) or low-density (720K) disk drive.
A Microsoft Mouse or other compatible pointing device and a
sound board are recommended.
 	Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") has
become the worldwide leader in software for personal computers.
The company offers a wide range of products and services for
business and personal use, each designed with the mission of
making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of
the full power of personal computing every day.
			#########
Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows is a 
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Access Links is a registered trademark of Access Software, Inc.
RealSound is a registered trademark of Real Sound Inc.
Flight Simulator is a registered trademark of Bruc Artwick.
-- 
"When the going gets weird, the 	|  Stephen Cox - Professional Wierdo
weird turn pro." - Hunter S.    	|  Microsoft Consumer Sales 
Thompson, American journalist.  	|  email: steveco@microsoft.com