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Golfing simulations are not new, many very respectable versions have been published in ZX Computing and other mags. So what iis this program going to offer to warrant £9.95 I asked myself, apart from Nigel Faldo's endorsement? Three things actually. First, a very accurate representation of The Royal St. George Golf Club in Sandwich where the 1985 Open Championship was held. The handbook also contains a hole-by-hole description and suggestions of how to attempt them.

Second is the input system which is performed completely by an Icon system. This allows joystick operation and very precise direction/power selection.

And finally, the birds' eye scrolling map of the course is most impressive, not to mention the additional control when the little golfer swings at the ball which can add extra power and/or direction (including slicing) to the stroke, giving it a realistic feel.

Then there are the comments and 'advice' of the caddy on your performance or choice of club.

OK, so there are lots of nifty features, but does it play well and is it fun? The answer is yes, the split screen icon system works well and you can improve with practice. The first time around my score was 121, second time 86 - still plenty of time or improvement.

The manual is nicely written and produced, but as with every program of this nature there is no explanation of the merits of different clubs. For the complete ignoramous such as I, when do you use a Wood? When an Iron?