10.06.08
Posted in World Golf Tour News at 1:13 pm by alex
The WGT Beta is now public and available at
www.WGT.com!
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
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09.29.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:44 pm by rich
In order to perform necessary maintenance and updates, we are making the Closed Beta site inaccessible at 6:00 PM Pacific time today, September 29. This means you will not be able to log in to the site at all. We will inform all beta testers via email when the next playable version of the game is ready for more testing. However, our Charity Challenge site is still up and available for you to play here: World Golf Tour
Thank you,
WGT
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09.25.08
Posted in Uncategorized at 3:12 pm by alex
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 
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09.21.08
Posted in Pro-Golf News at 7:44 pm by rich
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
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09.15.08
Posted in World Golf Tour News at 9:49 am by alex
Thanks to everyone for the overwhelming interest in our launch of The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort! We are currently in Closed Beta, which means that although it is not generally available yet, we are steadily letting in testers from our pool of registered players who filled out the beta qualification survey back in July.
If you’ve only registered with us in the past two months, no sweat—because of the high demand, we will send the beta survey to everyone who registered since the last mailing. Look for it in your inbox soon.
Please note that filling out the survey does not guarantee a spot in our Closed Beta, but it does qualify you for inclusion. We will notify you within 90 days if you are chosen to participate.
To be notified of future beta tests and other WGT news, please sign up for our newsletter at http://www.wgt.com/notify.aspx.
Thanks everyone!
Cheers,
Alex
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09.05.08
Posted in Courses, Golf Travel at 4:43 pm by alex
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
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09.01.08
Posted in World Golf Tour News, Fun Stuff at 12:34 pm by Ted
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.
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08.30.08
Posted in World Golf Tour News at 2:13 pm by alex
Congratulations to the following WGT players for winning prizes in our July drawing:
TaylorMade Burner: YDCHANEY
WGT Polos and TaylorMade Balls: adventurousone, bennyhogan, cheshireco, rokee, Hyperlitebrdr2, Michael7
Keep playing the Charity Challenge for your chance to win!
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08.28.08
Posted in Pro-Golf News at 9:24 am by alex
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
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08.25.08
Posted in Golf Travel at 1:57 pm by alex
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
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