TW2K1 calls upon the application of real world thinking when it comes to shot planning. You can't simply shoot at the pins with long irons and expect to stick 'em on every shot. In the shot setup, you can call for more backspin, but if you mis-time the accuracy click, the shot will be punished will greater severity than one which had been prepped with normal backspin. There are times when you'll be forced to dial in backspin, and other times when you'll simply have to bail to safety. In either case, you won't be able to blame unrealistic physics for the results obtained.
Online play is standard fare.
Headgate Studios' involvement may have suggested the possibility of asynchronous play, but it didn't happen this time out. I noticed virtually no difference in the way this year's version plays online versus the patched 2000 edition. Having been spoiled by asynchronous play in Jack Nicklaus 6 and PGA Championship Golf 2000, I find TW2K1's pace too slow. Part of this is due to inexplicably long delays when waiting for my opponent's shot to be displayed. 9 holes of play in a two player match required 55 minutes, on average, compared to 35 minutes with PGA 2000.