The Golf Club News Post

The Golf Club Early Access Available Now on Steam For $29.99 - Post Your Impressions

01:10 PM - April 17, 2014 by Kayotick

The PC version of The Golf Club is available now on steam for $29.99, during their early access promotion. On April 24th, the game will be $34.99. Still no word on official release dates for Xbox One or PS4.

There are plenty of impressions of the beta here, thanks to bluengold34_OS, but play a few rounds for yourself and post your impressions.

Read the full press release below.

Highly Realistic Golf Simulation Game - The Golf Club - Tees off Today on Steam Early Access

HB Studios Simulation, Complete with Course Creator and Social Features, Now Available on Steam Early Access for PC

Canadian video game developer, HB Studios, today announced its next generation golf simulation, The Golf Club, is now available on Steam Early Access for PC. The Golf Club features pre-designed courses as well as a Course Creator that allows players to build brand new courses and share them online within seconds. The Golf Club Early Access is available for $29.99, discounted from $34.99 for 7 days. Scheduled to launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One soon, The Golf Club will redefine the genre across both console and PC platforms. For more information, including a host of instructional videos, please visit the official website here.

�With a heritage deeply rooted in building some of the most fun, intuitive and critically successful sport franchises on the EA Sports label, HB Studios are now excited to roll out the first phase of The Golf Club,� said Jeremy Wellard, President of HB Studios. �With integrated social features, a massive online multiplayer mode and a Course Creator that will provide players with endless challenges, avid golfers and gamers can now access The Golf Club on Steam Early Access.�

The Golf Club is designed for 1 - 4 players locally, (from single player to 4-player sofa play), or in an asynchronous online multiplayer mode that allows players to compete against �live balls� and �ghost balls� from other players. Early Access of The Golf Club comes complete with three modes: stroke play, match play and 4-ball, and no loading times between holes.

The Course Creator allows players to build an unlimited number of golf courses which can then be shared and played with friends online. New courses can be generated in a matter of seconds by selecting a theme (Rural, Alpine or Autumn), terrain features, number of holes and difficulty. Players can then enjoy a full suite of editing tools from changing the time of day to placing hazards and objects to create the ultimate golf challenge. Players can also discover new courses built by friends and the community by filtering through rank and difficulty, as well as interact with new The Golf Club members through the Message Center.

Additional social features enable players to challenge friends and attempt to beat high scores and best their own highest recorded rounds. Add to this a myriad of statistic tracking tools, notifications, challenges and much more, and you have a golf club truly worth joining. The Golf Club was developed with the Unity games development platform.

Game: The Golf ClubReader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS4 / Xbox OneVotes for game: 7 - View All

The Golf Club Videos

Member Comments

# 21 Skyboxer @ 04/18/14 11:19 AM

Downloading now. God I'm weak...

# 22 OnlookerDelay @ 04/18/14 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBleedingRed21


	Not sure how you believe the consoles versions will be superior at all.. (Assuming you are meaning that with yor last statement) If you have a good enough pc (and I do), I have it high as it can go and never had an issue besides my Bluetooth controller not working properly.

What I mean by that is they will be superior to what my PC can deliver. I saw the video of the PS4 version of The Golf Club as it was being displayed at the Game Developer's Conference and it almost didn't look like the same game that I'm playing, in both graphics and flow. I'm stuck at 1600 x 900 res, low detail and the game looks pretty stark there. I can dial my computer up to 1920 x 1080, High Detail for a look, and it looks a heap better than what I'm forced to use because of frame rates, but when I do that, the game runs between 11 and 13 FPS... the game is totally unplayable at that speed.

To those who have PC's that can run the game at those settings at 35 FPS +, I salute you. Honestly though, I'd have to spend more to upgrade my PC to be able to run the game at those settings than what I paid for my XB1 (which I got for an effective price of $389.95, since I got it on sale for $449.95, with the Titanfall pack-in). I have a very uncomfortable setup at my desk due to my wife's decor demands. I can't stand to sit at it for more than 45 minutes before I start getting a backache, so I'm not likely to do anything to make me want to try to tolerate it longer

# 23 OnlookerDelay @ 04/18/14 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenegt


	Does the game include pre-made courses or is it all user-created/generated?

Pre and user made and we've got some good ones of each. Joe Habiger's (SmokinJo, aka GI Joe 65) Autumn Ridge G.C. is the best of litter. I recommend beginning players start out with Little Brook Manor, then try out Autumn Ridge and also Joe's other course, Diamond Head CC. Both of them are so efficient in their builds that you'll get the best frame rates from them of any of the courses. Ironically, they look and play better than any of the official courses!

# 24 greenegt @ 04/18/14 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlookerDelay


	Pre and user made and we've got some good ones of each. Joe Habiger's (SmokinJo, aka GI Joe 65) Autumn Ridge G.C. is the best of litter. I recommend beginning players start out with Little Brook Manor, then try out Autumn Ridge and also Joe's other course, Diamond Head CC. Both of them are so efficient in their builds that you'll get the best frame rates from them of any of the courses. Ironically, they look and play better than any of the official courses!

Sounds great. I need that XB1 version, now!

# 25 OnlookerDelay @ 04/18/14 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyboxer


	Downloading now. God I'm weak...

I'm weaker... I bought knowing my PC can't really handle it in any fashion that looks next-gen.

# 26 MERACE @ 04/18/14 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlookerDelay


	Somebody wanted some more impressions... here's a few specific ones I posted elsewhere: The swing mechanics are solid, but too easy to execute a perfect shot, at least with my Microsoft Silver Edition wireless 360 controller. I find it hard to deviate from the Y axis enough to get me in trouble on anything more than a putt. It is possible to pull and push putts, thankfully.

I have a feeling they made the swing less sensitive to offline shots to appeal to the casual players. However, I also speculate that they may be adding a swing sensitivity slider and/or a controller calibration system to the game to make the swing more challenging for the hardcore crowd. I base this on a couple posts the developers made on the HB Studios forums which leads me to believe that this may be a possible addition to the game in the future.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlookerDelay


	They've got it too easy to hit 100% shots right now. Heck, even when I'm trying to hit like a 90% shot, it still gives me 100%.

I do like it better than in TW14 where I feel like my analogue stick is about to snap off by how hard and fast I have to swing it to get near 100% power.

-MERACE

# 27 ODogg @ 04/18/14 01:01 PM

Wow, going from this thread I'm glad I just downloaded Trials Fusion on the PS4 last night and skipped this for now. Hopefully they iron out the kinks for the console version...

# 28 OnlookerDelay @ 04/18/14 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	Wow, going from this thread I'm glad I just downloaded Trials Fusion on the PS4 last night and skipped this for now. Hopefully they iron out the kinks for the console version...

I'm still having fun with it, just not nearly as much fun as I'll have with the console version, I strongly suspect. I'm just not the PC gaming hack I used to be... don't have the appetite for it anymore. I'm a lazy download & play guy now

# 29 OnlookerDelay @ 04/18/14 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MERACE


	I have a feeling they made the swing less sensitive to offline shots to appeal to the casual players. However, I also speculate that they may be adding a swing sensitivity slider and/or a controller calibration system to the game to make the swing more challenging for the hardcore crowd. I base this on a couple posts the developers made on the HB Studios forums which leads me to believe that this may be a possible addition to the game in the future.

I think you're right about easing it up for casual players. Can you imagine the outcry if Build 3.1 had been unleashed on the public!? I forgot about the slider bit, yeah, pretty sure that's coming and hopefully, the controller calibration system. That is really needed on the PC front!

Quote:


	I do like it better than in TW14 where I feel like my analogue stick is about to snap off by how hard and fast I have to swing it to get near 100% power.

Yeah, me too... that was more of a twitch reflect test than a modeled golf swing, IMO. I think HBS can do better with this though. It's not nearly as rhythm reliant as I think it could be, but then again if it was, I'm not sure my 30 FPS I'm having to play with on the PC version would be adequate for the swing feedback needed.

# 30 OnlookerDelay @ 04/18/14 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Profit89


	I'm looking forward to this on PC. I have a decked out PC (GTX 780 Ti) and want all the mods, 1440p, 60 fps, etc... But either way should be a great title because of the customization.

I know a couple of guys on the beta team had GT 780 Ti's and the supporting hardware to got with it. They saw 45+ FPS at full detail 1080p, but I don't recall them saying anything about trying 1440p. I don't think you'll have a problem with what you've got though.

# 31 Chaos81 @ 04/18/14 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlookerDelay


	There are times when the ball catches a small slope and it takes forever to roll out. I'd love to be able to fast-forward that, particularly when I'm trying to get a round done in under 35 minutes.

That's exactly why I was asking.

I was playing a hole that essentially has the green up on it's own little hill (can't remember the course), and I kept ending up having to wait for the ball to roll all the way back down. Spent a good 3 or 4 minutes last night just waiting for the ball to roll down that stupid hill (It took me a good 4 or 5 shots to get the ball on the green) and it was driving me nuts.

I did manage to figure out that when the game switches to your guy for a shot and it's zooming in, if you have the marker view option on, you can select that, then quickly select back to your player and it skips the zoom. Takes a second or two to do so, but it cuts the time waiting for the zoom to happen down quite a bit.

Many thanks for the response. I did enjoy the game while I was playing last night, just hope they can change a few things.

# 32 TheBleedingRed21 @ 04/18/14 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Profit89


	It's a real resource hog eh ? On ultra settings that is.

Not really, it just is not optimized fully yet. It is getting there.

Working on the course editor is a BLAST. The editor alone wins my $30. Man this game has some HUGE potential.

Working on a course now - Rural Hills (Name may change)..

Will have some pics and details of the first hole shortly, making it pretty challenging and to play smart instead of aim far and straight.

# 33 TheBleedingRed21 @ 04/18/14 07:13 PM

Rural Hills Golf Course

Hole #1

This first hole starts off the course making it feel intimidating. A powerful tee shot is not recommended here. The smart play is to lay up but there is room for the power shot with precision. Avoid the bunkers and the second shot is a short iron away. The greens are fast and they move. Avoid getting behind the flag on this hole and be careful to not zoom past the hole.

Designers Tip: Trying to go over the trees could turn this hole into a nightmare, pay attention to the tree line and it's angle if attempting to go over top.

Photos

Spoiler

Hole #2

Hole #2 on Rural Hills features a short downhill par 3. It may seem like a simple shot, but do not let the looks fool you. The flag is positioned between slopes on the green making it tough to land it where you want. There is room for a direct shot, but these greens are not the softest, be aware of the bounce and aim short of the flag.

Designers Tip: Trying to go directly at the flag instead of laying up will almost guarantee a roll off into the rough.

Photos

Spoiler

# 34 Garrett67 @ 04/18/14 08:44 PM

EDIT: Its Steam

When setting up a game and you have the option to see friends scores , and I assume play their ghosts, is that Steam friends or is it friends on the TGG site?

# 35 OnlookerDelay @ 04/18/14 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBleedingRed21


	Rural Hills Golf Course Hole #1 This first hole starts off the course making it feel intimidating. A powerful tee shot is not recommended here. The smart play is to lay up but there is room for the power shot with precision. Avoid the bunkers and the second shot is a short iron away. The greens are fast and they move. Avoid getting behind the flag on this hole and be careful to not zoom past the hole. Designers Tip: Trying to go over the trees could turn this hole into a nightmare, pay attention to the tree line and it's angle if attempting to go over top.

Really is looking good! I'll keep my eye out for this one. You've got a lot of subtle undulations in that course, it looks very natural!

# 36 TheBleedingRed21 @ 04/18/14 09:11 PM

Thanks guys! Onlooker, I am trying to make it more challenging and having to play fades/draws or lay up. I am shooting an average of -1 through 3 but this is with the shot arc and the perfect fades/draw. The risk will for sure be there without the arc and I will be interested to try it without the arc.

FYI: Friends list is based on steam I am pretty sure.

# 37 Garrett67 @ 04/18/14 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBleedingRed21


	FYI: Friends list is based on steam I am pretty sure.

It is. I'm loving this game the more I play it.

Its funny because some of the things that people don't like about it is what I like.

# 38 NBaldwin @ 04/18/14 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlookerDelay


	Pre and user made and we've got some good ones of each. Joe Habiger's (SmokinJo, aka GI Joe 65) Autumn Ridge G.C. is the best of litter. I recommend beginning players start out with Little Brook Manor, then try out Autumn Ridge and also Joe's other course, Diamond Head CC. Both of them are so efficient in their builds that you'll get the best frame rates from them of any of the courses. Ironically, they look and play better than any of the official courses!

OMG. There's a name(SmokinJo) I haven't heard since The Course Depot days.

# 39 SlyBelle @ 04/19/14 06:42 AM

Hello, does anyone know how multiplayer is planned to work?

Right now when a friend and I try to play, appears we can only play in ghost ball mode, meaning we are both on the same course together but we just see the ghost images of our shots and we end up on different holes playing.

Is there not a way for us to ensure we are playing the same hole and actually watch each of our golfer's take each shot? If that is not included right now, does anyone know if will be included in the final version? Seems like an odd feature not to have in a multi-player golf game.

# 40 MachoMyers @ 04/19/14 06:49 AM

I believe the devs are looking to add in vs mode with each golfer before release. We definitely need more graphics options. Wonder if there is a cfg file to tweak some settings.

What controller is everyone using? I have tried both a wired with USB PS4 controller and my wired 360 controller.

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The Golf Club Early Access Available Now on Steam For $29.99 - Post Your Impressions