Andy, you're putting lipstick on a pig. I played (and still have) that exact, did I say exact?, course-it was one of the 4 packaged with Links2003. I don't see the effort. I do agree that joining forces with them could lead to something. (Incidentally, the sims start at $6995, not $25K.)
My only hope is that whatever develops with TruCartoons does well and provides whatever WGT needs to keep their unique product alive and growing. The CEO boasted of a new course every quarter in the video link of him that was posted a while ago here. Obviously that was a little ambitious and for whatever reason isn't happening. That's OK, better to think that way than not. As it is it looks like 2 courses a year and I could definitely live with that because they improve every time. This year's Opens are going to be insane and a big hit. Plus we'll then have 6 entire, full stroke play courses.
The biggest fear is that one will rub off on the other and nothing will be free. I can't believe the Pro Shop isn't a big cash generator. Balls alone have to be flying out of there. That Cally is almost a standard with most of the players I play with (sidebar MisterWGT-put one out with a fast meter and I'll play them) and at almost $1 a ball with zero cost of goods expense they are pure profit. For that matter, there is no cost of goods for equipment in the first place-it's all virtual. All profit. Apparently not enough to provide for the necessary expansion and growth, though, and that's where the new partnership comes in.
This could work. Hopefully (selfishly) it will help WGT keep their brilliant HD vision going and keep Mr. Chad globe trotting. ;-)