dbaron99: All I'm
saying is that if the final non-Flash PC version isn't very similar to the
functionality of the current Flash version with the ability to 1) easily setup
matches with your friends 2) select different game formats and 3) select
different courses and 4) configure course
settings .... an unknown number of the user base will just leave WGT! There is
so much currently wrong with this Beta version as clearly outlined in the 34
pages of feedback. Time will tell, I hope you're right in the end!
Right now you can't currently set up multiplayer games in the same way as the flash version, that's true. But WGT know that's a fundamental and popular element of the desktop game so I genuinely don't believe for a second they won't be bringing that over to the new version too, in time.
As for some of your other points, you already can select different courses (the whole catalogue of courses in fact) and configure course settings too, although only in practice mode. But that's the same as the flash version anyway (except when creating a tournament round). So if you want to play a solo round, either ranked or practice, you can do so just as you can in the flash game.
I get what you are saying and what others are saying, and I'm certainly not saying I'm a fan of the new version. What I am just saying is that we have a year to get used to the differences and so yes, some elements of game play will have to be relearned, but once you stop paying attention to the low-resolution avatar, balls and flags the game isn't as entirely different as it seems, in my opinion. The courses still look the same, many people are reporting the meter to be more smooth and stable, and most of the shots play similarly. The putting is a whole other beast of course, but I don't know that it is a much different experience than when tiering up and going from tournament to championship greens, for example. Putting has to be relearned then too in my experience.
We have a year to play it and get used to it while WGT work on improving it and bringing across more features. Twelve months. At the end of the year if you (and anyone else) has played it regularly and still can't get on with it and adjust then fair enough and farewell.
But until then I just think it's way too premature for people to be screaming that the sky is falling.