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I was hesitant to buy this game considering most of the reviews I had read weren't too great. Having played this game for over two weeks I now think many reviewers were too premature in their judgment of this game.

Golf has always been synonymous with frustration and this game is no different but with a bit of perseverance you will find this game very rewarding.

My initial thoughts of this game were of disappointment - why did I waste my money on this crap. All the reviews I read were right - the putting was bad. I nonetheless persevered with the game determined to get my moneys worth from this game.

You don't play golf rather you play the character who in turn plays golf. You have to develop your character by increasing your characters attributes by playing golf to earn money which you then use to increase your character's attributes, such as Power, Driving Accuracy, Putting, Luck and a few others.

The control scheme is different from other golfing games - no power meter instead the stylus is used in a unique and very effective method that while it takes some getting use to, really grows on you after a while.

If you have read any other reviews you would know that the putting sucks in this game. When I first started playing this game I would have strongly agreed. At first it seems as if you have no control over the putting - its just completely random - but as you earn money and increase the attributes of your character the putting skill increases greatly and the game behaves a bit more like you would expect, not perfect but manageable.

Hint: As soon as you earn any money upgrade your putting skills first thing because the initial putting skills level is frustratingly bad.

The graphics are good. While I think the DS is capable of better it is difficult to find many faults with the graphics. The dual screens are perfect for a golf game and work very well most of the time. The only problem I have is that the bottom screen map is set at fixed orientation and the top screen which shows the golf course in 3D is able to look in any direction so often they are out of sync. I think it would be better to have the orientation of the map the same as the direction the player is facing.

The sound is adequate.

The controls take a little getting used to but with a bit of practice you will grow to like them. The "Touch Swing Control" - where you use the stylus to hit the ball - seems a little awkward at first but soon you will think the power meter system used by every other golf game is lacking.

While most other reviewers in their haste to write a quick review gave the game an average of about 7 out of 10 (my initial reaction to the game would be to give the same) I would after playing this game for a few weeks have to give it an 8 out of 10 - not much more than other reviewers but I think a fairer assessment considering the time I have spent playing this game.

For all its faults and there are many - this is still the best portable golf game out there. With a bit of perseverance this is can be a very enjoyable and rewarding game.

Rating: Good