If a gopher pops up maybe I'd think I was playing Word Whomp on Pogo (one of my favorites), maybe on that game they should have a golfer pop up.
I kind of like the sound effect they have already--kind of like the noise when you put a seashell to your ear--at low levels I find it isn't distracting and maybe even a little calming. I wouldn't change it, but perhaps in "options" you could choose from a variety of sound effects to suit your taste.
Don't really like the idea of adding animations such as you describe, seems a little gimmicky. I'm here more for fun than competition, but I still am taking it seriously. That's what I love about WGT so far. It's fun but it's quite serious. Just my $0.02.