Part 1

Learn Golf With Your Friends controls, including topspin, sidespin, and backspin. Understand the tutorial and Rank 1 challenges.

Important Note: The servers for this game officially shut down on September 30th, 2022. Online play and related trophies are no longer available.

Controls:

The Beginner's Guide can be toggled on or off in the Options menu.

Before taking the shot:

• Use the directional buttons to move the target left or right. Aim for the fairway unless the situation is unique.
• Press the triangle button to zoom the camera in.
• Press the circle button to zoom the camera out.
• Press the touch pad to show a fly-by view (minimap (the small circular map in the bottom-left corner of your screen)).
• Press the square button to add 10 yards to a club for a power shot. These are limited and best saved for par 5s early on.

Taking the shot:

• Press X to start the gauge.
• Press X again to set power.
• Press X one more time for impact at the end of the swing.
• An auto impact system is available, which randomly determines the third shot.
• Spin shots are possible but riskier.

Spin Shots:

• Topspin: During impact, press and hold the up directional button. This allows the ball to get more distance. A super topspin (more distance) can be performed by pressing and holding up during power and up during impact with perfect impact.
• Sidespin: During impact, press and hold the left or right directional buttons to make the ball curve, useful for going around obstacles. A super sidespin can be performed by pressing and holding left during power and right during impact (or vice versa) with perfect impact.
• Backspin: During impact, press and hold the down directional button to make the ball stop sooner. A super backspin (stops the ball more effectively) can be performed by pressing and holding up during power and down during impact with perfect impact. Be aware that super backspin can cause the ball sway to go off target about 60% of the time, even with perfect impact.

Tutorial:

1. You will meet Chairman Suzuki and Hikari.
2. Decide on a nickname for your custom character (this can be changed later).
3. Create your custom character. Initially, there are limited parts, but more can be earned by completing challenge tournaments or bought from the shop.
4. Follow the arrow to talk to Specs, who will provide a rundown of game elements.
5. Talk to Hikari again.
6. Hikari, along with Suzuki, will discuss the offline mode.
7. The adventure officially begins.

Helpful tips about the game are displayed while a course loads. You can also practice shots during loading times.

Rank 1:

You can choose to enter a challenge tournament immediately or explore the Home Area and talk to people to learn more about the game.

Landing Point Camera:

1. Find the short, old man standing next to a camera in the Home Area.
2. Start a quiz mini-game.
3. Correctly answer all 10 questions to be awarded the Landing Point camera.
4. You will be instructed to return once you reach Rank 3 for the next set of quizzes.

To increase your golf stats, begin your first tournament or play in solo mode by accessing the monitor by the shop.

Serious Mode:

• The golf levels of challenge tournament golfers in Rank 1 range from 5 to 7 if Serious Mode is enabled.
• Serious Mode makes golfers play better and can yield 1.5 times the EXP and coins upon winning.
• There are 15 golf levels in total, with two additional levels added via patch, though these last two are difficult to achieve and not essential for skill demonstration.

DLC (downloadable content — extra missions or items released after launch) and Gimme Mode:

• If you own the Green C.C. or Balata C.C. DLC courses, they are selectable in Rank 1.
• Gimme mode is available. Although it states it's only available for a short time, it has been present for a long duration and may remain permanently.
• Full rewards are still granted for winning tournaments while using Gimme mode.

Coins are necessary to access the shop, which sells parts and balls. New balls become available as you rank up. You may also win new club sets after completing a tour, which can aid your progress.