GolfCross^® Playing Tips

Acquaint yourself with the four basic ball positions, they will give you a much greater sense of control, and you will enjoy the GolfCross experience just that much more.

Don't complicate your play by trying to use an angled curve shot when it's not necessary. Often there is a straight-line course, even on an extreme dog-leg goal.

Use a tee cup at all times, especially on the fairway with fairway woods.

Remember to take note of the wind. Playing your goal shot into the wind is easier but you need to be aware that the side netting of the goal will tend to billow inwards, this can lead to the ball bouncing straight out again; play a soft shot into the goal.

Regarding wind, it can act as your ally, especially when attempting the punt. The wind will help to stall the oval GolfCross ball and make it easier to goal out.

When you do angle a shot you will lose some length so go to a longer club to allow for this. Remember the greater the degree of angle, the greater the degree of curve, the flatter the trajectory and the more run-on.

It takes quite some practice to truly reflect a ball so as a general rule it's safer to under-reflect. The ball will take more backspin and therefore less distance, but at least the flight will still be predictable. Over-reflecting has a tendency to 'flubber' the ball, (top spin the ball). It loses huge distance and will nose-dive dramatically.

Only play the horizontal shot when goaling out in the yard or from a short distance. It's very difficult to lay the oval GolfCross ball perfectly horizontal and if it's pointing up at one end even minutely, it will curve off in that direction, especially if you're playing a full shot. However, the horizontal position is a good option around the yard, but be aware that you won't get the same dramatic curving using a half or punch shot.

The torpedo is a valuable shot but don't over-play it. This shot requires specific conditions for it to work effectively. Obviously it's great into the wind but the ground to be covered stills needs to be hazard-free and relatively flat or downhill.

Know the difference between reflecting and angling. Reflecting is when you tilt the ball back just enough to be parallel with the loft of your club. Angling left or right from behind the ball is when you tilt the ball either towards you or away from you when you're in the address position. Angling will create a fade or draw. (Remember, don't try to blend the two. you'll end up with a fangle; a shot that has a terrible feel, will have next to no distance and will have a very erratic flight pattern).

To be avoided. When you're forced to lay on to the yard because the goal is facing away from you make sure you think this shot through carefully. Try to get your ball into the best place in front of one of the three goal positions and don't try to get the ball too close to the goal if you're not confident with a flop shot.

A tip for goal tending: All things being equal, every once in a while your shins may be in danger. Stay alert!

Practice the punch and coddle shots; they are both legitimate goaling out options, and you'll find situations when you'll need to have knowledge of both.

Before teeing off check the facing position of the goal, this should dictate where you'll need to put both your drive and your approach to the yard. Note that the goal zone is the premium position to target around the yard (apart from in the goal, of course).

Be honest with yourself. Make sure you know how far you can hit the oval GolfCross ball with each of your clubs. Don't make the mistake of over-estimating your distances based on your golf experiences.

There's no such thing as a 'gimme' in GolfCross. From the comfort zone (about ten to fifteen feet) goaling out might look simple but like a three-foot putt in golf, you still need to focus on the task at hand. A missed putt might roll on by just a couple of inches, but a missed goal attempt could go anywhere and it might take two or more shots to finally goal out.

Despite the oval GolfCross^® ball being a smart ball the human element is still a major factor, and practicing yard play is an absolute must if you want to lower your scores. Being on an intimate footing with your wedges is the key to good GolfCross. You might think that this is no different from golf but with golf you can hide your deficiencies with the wedge and at least you finish each hole with your putter. But in GolfCross if you can't use a wedge you're not going anywhere.

For further information see GolfCross - The Definitive Guide.