1 GA Sim Software User Guide

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fgf Software version
1.0.6810
GolfAchiever
GA Sim Software User Guide
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED ........................................................................................................ 5
Introduction......................................................................................................................... 6
Customer Support ............................................................................................................... 6
System Requirements ......................................................................................................... 6
GolfAchiever Sim Setup..................................................................................................... 7
Installation .......................................................................................................................... 7
Launching GA Sim ............................................................................................................. 8
GA Sim Key (Dongle) ........................................................................................................ 8
Other Software.................................................................................................................... 9
GA BASIC Installation....................................................................................................... 9
Manuals and Tutorials ........................................................................................................ 9
MAIN MENU ................................................................................................................... 10
Admin Settings ................................................................................................................. 11
Application Settings.......................................................................................................... 11
Change a Language................................................................................................... 11
Upload a Banner or Logo.......................................................................................... 11
Network..................................................................................................................... 11
Timer/Game Clock.................................................................................................... 11
GA Settings....................................................................................................................... 12
Measurement Settings....................................................................................................... 12
Putting Location (fix)................................................................................................ 12
Tee Height (inches)................................................................................................... 12
Tee Position Offset ................................................................................................... 13
Restore Default Settings ........................................................................................... 14
Club Data .......................................................................................................................... 14
Pre‐Select Clubs/ Long Drive Loft ............................................................................. 15
Protection .......................................................................................................................... 15
Game Selection ................................................................................................................. 15
New Round ............................................................................................................... 15
Resume Last Round .................................................................................................. 16
Load Round............................................................................................................... 16
Delete Saved Game................................................................................................... 16
Long Drive on Course............................................................................................... 16
Long Drive on Grid................................................................................................... 16
Closest to Pin ............................................................................................................ 16
Practice...................................................................................................................... 16
GAME SETUP.................................................................................................................. 17
Course Play ....................................................................................................................... 18
Select # of Players..................................................................................................... 18
Input Player Names................................................................................................... 19
Tee Selection............................................................................................................. 19
Game Type........................................................................................................................ 19
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Stroke Play ................................................................................................................ 19
Skins Game ............................................................................................................... 19
Skins, No Carryover.................................................................................................. 20
Match Play ................................................................................................................ 20
Match Play (Team) ................................................................................................... 20
COURSE & HOLE SELECTION .................................................................................... 21
Course and Hole Selection................................................................................................ 21
Course Selection ............................................................................................................... 22
Course Flyover.................................................................................................................. 22
Hole Selection................................................................................................................... 22
Pre-Select holes................................................................................................................. 23
Hole Preview..................................................................................................................... 23
Return to Main .................................................................................................................. 23
Proceed.............................................................................................................................. 23
COURSE CONDITION & GREEN SETTINGS ............................................................. 24
Course Condition & Game Setup ..................................................................................... 25
Environment Settings........................................................................................................ 25
Putting Settings ................................................................................................................. 26
Pre-Set Mulligans...................................................................................................... 26
GAME PLAY ................................................................................................................... 27
Main Playing Screen......................................................................................................... 28
Tee Selection..................................................................................................................... 28
Club Selection................................................................................................................... 28
Angle Arrows.................................................................................................................... 28
Ball Lie ............................................................................................................................. 28
Wind Display .................................................................................................................... 29
The “Play” Ball................................................................................................................. 29
Minimap/Shot line ............................................................................................................ 29
Minimap On/Off ............................................................................................................... 29
Course/Hole Details.......................................................................................................... 30
Yardage Box ..................................................................................................................... 30
Player Information Boxes ................................................................................................. 30
Player Swing Icon ..................................................................................................... 30
Scorecard .......................................................................................................................... 30
Player Choice Icon............................................................................................................ 31
Take a Mulligan ........................................................................................................ 31
Drop Ball................................................................................................................... 31
Flight over Hole ........................................................................................................ 31
Concede Hole............................................................................................................ 31
Drop a Player ............................................................................................................ 31
Shot History ...................................................................................................................... 32
Replay Shot............................................................................................................... 32
Show Swing Data...................................................................................................... 32
Save Game ................................................................................................................ 32
In Game Settings............................................................................................................... 32
Grid ........................................................................................................................... 32
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Shot Data On/Off ...................................................................................................... 33
Camera Mode............................................................................................................ 33
Toggle Flag Marker .................................................................................................. 33
Exit To Main Menu................................................................................................... 33
Golf Achiever Hardware Settings............................................................................. 33
SHOT DATA .................................................................................................................... 34
Shot Data........................................................................................................................... 35
Shot Data Breakdown ....................................................................................................... 35
Carry.......................................................................................................................... 35
Total .......................................................................................................................... 35
Club Speed ................................................................................................................ 35
Ball Speed.................................................................................................................. 35
Launch Angle............................................................................................................. 35
Azimuth ..................................................................................................................... 35
Swing Path................................................................................................................. 35
Face Angle ................................................................................................................. 35
Face Impact............................................................................................................... 35
Back Spin ................................................................................................................... 35
Side Spin.................................................................................................................... 35
LONG DRIVE & CLOSEST TO PIN........................................................................................ 36
Long Drive Setup............................................................................................................... 37
Long Drive and Closest to the Pin Competitions .............................................................. 37
Saving ................................................................................................................................ 39
ERRORS & TROUBLE‐SHOOTING ....................................................................................... 40
Check GA Frame................................................................................................................ 41
Blocked Laser ............................................................................................................ 41
Resolve Check GA Frame .......................................................................................... 42
Lasers out of Alignment ............................................................................................ 42
Damaged GA II .......................................................................................................... 42
GA II Unplugged (During Play) .................................................................................. 42
GA II Unplugged (Before Play) .................................................................................. 42
HOW TO’S & FAQ’S ........................................................................................................... 43
How to Use Two GolfAchievers with GA Sim ................................................................ 44
How to Extend the Platform to Accommodate Multiple Units ........................................ 44
Putting Tips....................................................................................................................... 44
Red ............................................................................................................................ 44
Orange....................................................................................................................... 44
Yellow....................................................................................................................... 44
Green......................................................................................................................... 44
Teal ........................................................................................................................... 44
Blue ........................................................................................................................... 44
Dark Blue .................................................................................................................. 44
Subscriptions..................................................................................................................... 44
Current Subscribers................................................................................................... 45
5
GETTING STARTED
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Introduction Customer Support System Requirements How to install and launch GA Sim 6
Introduction
Welcome to GA Sim, GolfAchiever’s state‐of‐the‐art 3D course simulation software. By combining the accuracy of GA II’s patented laser technology with a library of world‐class courses designed down to the finest details, GolfAchiever has created a product primed to allow the most life‐like playing experience the industry has to offer. From installation to game play, this manual covers all aspects of GA Sim and should always be a first reference for questions, tips, or trouble shooting. Its thorough table of contents was designed to make navigation as simple as possible and its content is laid out in a manner easy to read, with many images for your benefit. We here at GolfAchiever thank you for choosing GA Sim and hope this manual helps to make your simulation experience the best it can be! Customer Support
GolfAchiever welcomes any and all questions, comments, or concerns and offers customer support Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 2:30pm pacific standard time. Customer Support:  Phone: (408) 530‐8588 EXT. 2  Email: [email protected] System Requirements
GA Sim is designed to work with a personal computer that conforms to the following standards: Minimum Specs  Operating System: Windows XP, Vista (16 or 32 bit), Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit)  Computer: 2 Ghz Intel Pentium 4  Memory: 1GB Ram  Video Card: NVIDIA Geforce FX series  Hard Disk Drive: 10 GB. Additional courses requires more  For network game: 56.6 Kbps or faster LAN – TCP/IP Compliant Network Recommended Specs 7
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Operating System: Windows XP, Vista (16 or 32 bit), Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit) Computer: 2 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 Memory: 2 GB RAM Video Card: NVIDIA 8800 GT or higher Hard Disk Drive: 15 GB. Additional courses requires more For network game: 56.6 Kbps or faster LAN – TCP/IP Compliant Network GolfAchiever Sim Setup
The GA Sim Setup DVD allows for easy installation of GA Sim, as well as easy navigation through all of your GolfAchiever software and corresponding Manuals. Installation
Installation is the process that places GA Sim and its associated files onto your computer. Complete the following steps to install: 8
1. Make sure the GA Sim Key (Dongle) is NOT connected to the computer. 2. Insert the DVD disk into the DVD drive. 3. Click on “Install GA Sim Software”. 4. The HASP Run Time Environment installer will appear – CLICK INSTALL. 5. A window will let you know the operation was successful – CLICK OK. 6. The GA Sim install wizard will appear – CLICK NEXT. 7. Read the license agreement and highlight “accept” – CLICK NEXT. 8. The destination folder setup will appear – CLICK NEXT. 9. The setup type window will appear – CLICK NEXT 10. The install window will appear – CLICK NEXT. 11. Installation Wizard Completed – CLICK FINISH. Launching GA Sim
Launching is the process of starting GA Sim for the first time. A “GA Sim” icon should appear on your desk top, if so, simply open that icon to launch the program. If not, follow these steps: 1. Click the Start button. 2. Select All Programs from the start menu. 3. Select Focaltron. 4. Select GA Sim. 5. Double‐click GA Sim Software to open. GA Sim Key (Dongle)
The GA Sim Key (Dongle) is the devise that allows GA Sim to run and will unlock whichever courses you have purchased. After you have installed GA Sim, place the key in any USB port on your computer to activate your courses. The courses that you have 9
purchased will appear in white on the Course Selection Page. If, at any time, you wish to purchase more courses, simply call GolfAchiever and we can send you a patch that will unlock your desired courses. Other Software
This portion of the GA Sim Setup allows you to download other GolfAchiever software, as well as install key drivers and patch current software. GA BASIC Installation
Follow these steps to set up the GolfAchiever Basic software from the
installation CD:
1. Exit all programs to prevent conflicts with the Installation
Software
2. Make sure any previous versions of GA Basic have been removed from your computer.
3. Insert the GolfAchiever Software CD into the CD drive.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing GA Basic.
Manuals and Tutorials
Use the Manuals and Tutorials page for extra help if you need it. 10
MAIN MENU
The first screen to appear when GA Sim is launched is the Main Menu. Here you have the option to access your admin settings or choose a type of game play. 11
Admin Settings
To access your admin settings, simply hold down “ctrl + A” Four tabs will appear at the top of the page ‐‐ Application Settings, GA Settings, Club Data, and Protection. Click a tab to access its content. Application Settings
This tab allows you to set a default language, upload a banner or logo (coming soon), join a network (coming soon), or set a game clock. Change a Language
Currently GA Sim is only available in English, but we are working on translations
for German, Spanish, Korean, Japanese and Chinese and well. Upload a Banner or Logo
This feature will be coming to GA Sim in the near future. It will allow you to upload your own logos onto the Long Drive Grid and Scorecards. Network
Another feature coming soon is a worldwide network of GA Sim users. Compete against other GA Sim users all around the world through the internet! Timer/Game Clock
Check the box next to “Game Clock” to set a timer for your round. The timer will display above the “play ball” icon on the bottom right hand corner of the main playing screen. 12
GA Settings
This tab allows you to manage the settings that will correspond with your GolfAchiever. Choose your putting location, tee height, tee position, or ball type to assure that you have the most accurate playing experience possible. Measurement Settings
GA Sim operates in three different units of measurement – metric, yards, and Japanese (yards off the tee, meters on the green, and meters per sec for ball/club speed). Click on the circle next to the unit of measurement that best fits your needs. Putting Location (fix)
GA Sim gives you the option to putt from two different locations. The default setting for putting is ‐2 inches off center and 13.7 inches back, meaning the ideal putting location for GA Sim is 2 inches toward you and 2 inches back from the green tee. To change this, simply check the circle next to green tee. This will set the green tee as the desired putting location. Tee Height (inches)
The default settings for tee height are based off the five tees that come standard with the GA II and are as follows: To change the default settings for tee height, delete the existing value and enter the value that you desire. Note… Tee heights are measured from the bottom of the tee. For optimal accuracy it is extremely important to change your settings for tee heights if you are using anything other than the tees that come standard with the GA II. 13
Tee Position Offset
This function allows you to change the location from which you strike your ball. The tee position default setting for GA Sim is 11.7 inches back from the front of the base arm (the precise location of your tee) for Drivers and 13.7 inches back and ‐2.2 inches to the side for every other club. The following diagram shows the location for all other clubs: Changing the tee position requires you to change the value in one or both of the boxes available for this setting. The “back” box refers to an imaginary line that runs directly back from the center of the base arm through the green tee. The “side” box refers to a line running perpendicular to the back line directly through the green tee. Moving the ball closer to you requires a negative number and moving the ball further requires a positive number. 14
Note… For optimal accuracy GolfAchiever recommends using the default setting for tee position. Hitting From Turf When this icon replaces the tee on the bottom left hand corner of the main hitting screen it means that you are now hitting directly off the green turf, at a location ‐2 inches from the green tee and 13.7 inches back from the front of the base arm. Ball Type
For optimal accuracy, be sure to select the most appropriate choice for the ball type you are using. Restore Default Settings
Anytime you make changes to your GA Settings they will be automatically saved. If you wish to change the settings back to the GA Sim default, simply click the “Restore Default” icon at the top right corner of the page. Club Data
This tab allows you to pre‐select the clubs you would like to use for your round. 15
Pre‐Select Clubs/ Long Drive Loft Select up to 14 clubs by checking the boxes next to the clubs you desire. Add some spice to your competition by selecting the “Long drive Loft” option in the “Event Settings” box. This option adds distance to your drive. Protection
Use the protection screen to view which courses are licensed to you. To only show licensed courses, select the empty box shown in the icon below. Note… The courses that you are licensed to play will appear in white. If you are on a subscription, the amount of days remaining on the subscription will show on the right side of the screen in the status menu. Game Selection
From the main menu you have the option to choose from a number of game options. New Round By clicking the “New Round” icon from the main menu you are choosing to play a round of golf for up to four players. 16
Resume Last Round
Select this option to automatically resume the last round played (saved or not). Load Round
After selecting load, a window will appear that will allow you to resume any saved game you desire. Highlight the desired game and click next to resume play for that game. Delete Saved Game
To delete a previously saved game, click the load option from the main menu – highlight the game you wish to delete – and click the “DELETE” option from the bottom of the window. Long Drive on Course This feature allows you to have a Longdrive competition on any par 4 or 5 hole you desire. For more information on Long Drive Competition, skip to page 31. Long Drive on Grid
Hold a Long drive competition on a grid designed specifically for it. For more information on Long Drive Competition, skip to page 31. Closest to Pin
This feature allows you to hold Closest To Pin competitions on any par‐3 hole in your library. For more information on Closest To Pin, skip to page 31. Practice
Practice from the tee box at any hole you desire. 17
GAME SETUP 
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Select # of Players Skins Game Tee Selection Game Type 18
Course Play
When you choose to play a new round, the program will automatically direct you to a screen titled “Course Play”. Here you can select your tee preference, select the number of players for your round, input player names, and choose the type of game you wish to play. Select # of Players
Select up to four players for your round by clicking the open circles to the left of the player input selection bar. 19
Input Player Names
To input a player’s name, simply click the keyboard icon to the right of the player input selection bar. Use the keyboard to input the appropriate name and click “RETURN” when finished. Repeat the same step for each player playing. Tee Selection
GA Sim gives the option to choose which tee box each player plays from. Use the dropdown menu at the right hand side of a players name to select the appropriate tee box for that player.  Note… Some courses do not have five sets of tee boxes. If you choose to play the back tees at a course that does not offer them, the software will automatically place you on the next closest tee. Game Type
Select the appropriate choice for the game you wish to play. Stroke Play
The most commonly used format in golf, stroke play can be played with one to four players. In this format, each player’s total number of strokes is recorded for an entire round of golf. Upon completion, the player with the lowest total is declared the winner. Skins Game
This format pits players in a type of match play in which each hole has a set value (usually in money or points). The player who wins the hole is said to win the “skin”, and whatever that skin is worth. If two players tie on a hole, the value for that hole is added to the value of the following hole. 20
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Example… Two players tie the first three holes of the game, then player one wins the fourth hole. In this format player one would be awarded four skins. Skins, No Carryover
The same as a typical skins game except in this format, if two players tie a hole, the value of that hole is not carried over to the following hole.  Example… Two players tie the first three holes of the game, then player one wins the fourth hole. In this format player one would be awarded one skin. Match Play Consists of one side playing against another over a stipulated round in an effort to win the most holes. If a hole is tied in match play it is considered to be “halved” and does not carryover. The winner is declared when the leader has won more holes than holes remaining to be played. Match Play (Team)
Same as match play except set for a two on two team format. 21
COURSE & HOLE
SELECTION
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Course Selection Course Flyover Hole Selection Pre‐Select Holes Hole Preview Course and Hole Selection
Anytime you choose to play a new round, long drive on course, or closest to pin challenge, GA Sim will automatically direct you to the Course & Hole Selection page. Here you can preview and choose the course and holes you wish to play. 22
Course Selection
To select a course, click the name of the course you wish to play from the window at the top left hand side of the page. The courses you are licensed to play will appear white. Anything unlicensed (in this case Bonita Springs) will appear grey. Course Flyover
Click the name of a course from the course selection window to see a flyover of that course. Hole Selection
Don’t feel like playing a full 18? No problem. Use the circle icons above the scorecard to 23
select the holes you wish to play. Pre-Select holes
Use the four tabs at the bottom of the page to pre‐select a group of holes. All 18 Front 9 Back 9 Clear all Holes Hole Preview
Click any of the camera icons above the scorecard to see a preview for that specific hole. Return to Main
Use this arrow to return to the “Course Play” screen. Proceed
Use this arrow to proceed to the “Course Condition & Game Setup” page. 24
COURSE CONDITION &
GREEN SETTINGS
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Weather Settings Green Difficulty Putting Settings Pre‐Set Mulligans 25
Course Condition & Game Setup
This is the last screen you will encounter before it’s time to play. Use the box on the left hand side of the page to set your environmental settings, and use the box on the right hand side of the page to set your game options. Environment Settings
◄Select this icon for clear skies. Select this icon for calm wind.► ◄Select this icon for cloudy skies. Select this icon for breezy winds.► ◄Select this icon for foggy skies. Select this icon for heavy winds.► 26
Set how fast you wish for the greens to play by selecting the appropriate choice from these options. Putting Settings
No gimmies, the player must putt out on every hole. Players must putt to within five feet of the hole. Players must putt to within ten feet of the hole. No putting necessary. All putts within ten feet will be counted as one stroke, and all putts outside of ten feet will be counted as two.
This is different than Gimmie 10ft because players must always putt once. Example… If you hit an iron shot onto the green within 10ft of the hole, you will still have to putt one time before a gimmie is given Pre-Set Mulligans
GA Sim gives you the option to select the number of maximum mulligans you wish to have available for each round and/or hole you play. To set mulligans, use the keyboard icon located in the “Preset Mulligans” portion of the game options box to enter the value you desire per hole and/or per round. Check the “Tee Box Only” option to limit mulligans to balls hit off the tee box. 27
GAME PLAY
 Main Playing Screen  Icons 28
Main Playing Screen
Familiarize yourself with the icons used for Game Play. Tee Selection
The GA Sim default for tee height is set at the yellow tee for driver and the green tee for every other club. Use the arrow to the right hand side of the tee icon to change the tee height if needed. Remember… With the default settings, whenever you are hitting off a green tee you will be hitting directly off the turf. When using another tee height you will be hitting from the Tee location of the mat. Note… If the proper tee height is not selected the shot data will be incorrect. Club Selection
Use the arrows to the right hand side of the club icon located on the bottom left hand corner of the main playing screen to select the appropriate club for your shot. Note…If the proper club is not selected the shot data will be incorrect. Angle Arrows
GA Sim automatically lines up each shot to where it thinks you should hit the ball. Want to take a different approach at the hole? Use the blue angle arrows located at the bottom of the main playing screen to accomplish this. By clicking the right and left arrows you can set your shot path to the exact place you desire. Note…This can also be done by using the right and left hand arrows on your keyboard, or by using the minimap. Ball Lie
To the right of the angle arrows is a “ball lie” icon that displays the type of lie you have. If a percentage range appears above the ball it means you are hitting out of not perfect conditions. An 80‐85% lie means you would only get 80‐85% of the distance you would normally get from a certain shot. If there is no percentage range it means you have a clean lie. 29
Wind Display
The wind display icon is an image of a flag with the wind speed in mph displayed beneath it. Make sure to pay close attention to this icon before picking a club or lining up your shot. The “Play” Ball
This icon appears at the bottom left hand corner of the main playing screen and acts as an indicator for when it is okay to hit. Minimap/Shot line
The minimap is an overhead view of the hole and is located at the top right hand corner of the main playing screen. The white line that appears over the minimap is called the shot line. This line represents the angle to which a straight ball will travel. To change the direction of the shot line, use the angle arrows (see Angle Arrows above), the hot keys (see page _______), or use your mouse to drag the actual line on the minimap. Minimap On/Off
Turn off the minimap by clicking the located at the top right hand corner of the box. Turn the map back on by clicking the that appears in its place. 30
Course/Hole Details
The course name, as well as the par for, number, and distance of the current hole is displayed above the minimap at the top right hand corner of the main playing screen. Yardage Box
This red box is always displayed above the tee location and displays the distance and elevation of the hole in relationship to the tee box. Example. The image to the left is showing that the hole is 324 yards away and 3 inches below the ball’s current position. Player Information Boxes
These boxes appear at the top left hand corner of the main playing screen and display each players name, +/‐ par for the round, and the stroke that player is about to hit. Player Swing Icon
This icon of a player swinging a club will appear to the left of the player information box belonging to the player who is in turn to hit. Scorecard
Click this icon to view your scorecard at any point during the round. 31
Player Choice Icon
This icon located at the left hand side of the main playing screen allows players a number of options during their round. Click to bring up a new menu of options. Here you have the option to take a mulligan, drop your ball, see a flyover of the current hole, concede the hole, or drop a player. Take a Mulligan
Click this icon to take a mulligan for your last hit ball. Drop Ball
If you find yourself with an unplayable lie you can click this icon to drop your ball. Note… You will be penalized one stroke. Flight over Hole
Click this icon at anytime to see a full flyover of the hole you are currently playing. Concede Hole
Used in match or stroke play, a player can click this icon to concede the current hole to their opponent. Drop a Player
Select this icon to drop the current player from your round. 32
Shot History
This icon located underneath the players choice icon allows you the options of seeing a replay of your previous shot, seeing the shot data for your previous shot, or saving your game. Select the icon to bring up an extended menu. Replay Shot
Use this icon to replay your previous shot. Show Swing Data
Use this icon to get the swing data for your previous shot. Save Game
Use this icon at any point in a round to save your current game. The game will be saved from the beginning of the hole you are currently on. In Game Settings
Click this icon located on the left hand side of the main playing screen beneath the shot history icon to bring up a menu of many in game options. Grid
The default for GA Sim is to show a grid on the green for putting. Click this icon if you do not wish to see a grid. 33
Shot Data On/Off
The GA Sim default is set to show shot data after every ball hit. If you do not wish to see your shot data, simply click this icon to turn it off. Camera Mode
The default for GA Sim is to have static line follow the ball while it is in flight. Click this icon to turn off the static follow line. Toggle Flag Marker
This icon refers to the red arrow markers that appear beneath the yardage box and point at the hole. Click this icon if you don’t wish for these arrows to show. Exit To Main Menu
Click this icon to exit a round at any point. Follow the prompts to save the game if you choose to do so. Golf Achiever Hardware Settings
Use this icon to bring up your GolfAchiever hardware settings. 34
SHOT DATA
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Shot Data Breakdown ‐Swing Data ‐Ball Data 35
Shot Data
This shot data screen will appear after every shot unless you choose to turn it off. To turn it off, click the “In Game Settings” icon from the main playing screen then select the “Shot Data On/Off” icon. Otherwise, take advantage of this tool to view accurate information for your swing and ball flight. Shot Data Breakdown
Carry – Total carry distance of the golf ball from take off to landing. Total – Total carry distance of the golf shot (carry and roll). Club Speed – Measures the club speed in meters per second or miles per hour, depending on the settings. Ball Speed – Measures the ball speed in meters per second or miles per hour, depending on the settings. Launch Angle – Is the shot trajectory of the golf shot. Azimuth – Refers to the initial direction (left or right) that the ball leaves the laser grid Swing Path – Description of the club direction entering and exiting the laser grid. Face Angle – Description of the club face at impact. Face Impact – Description of where the golf ball hits the club face. Back Spin – Measures back spin in revolutions per minute. Side Spin – Measures side spin in revolutions per minute. 36
LONG DRIVE & CLOSEST TO PIN 37
Long Drive Setup The set up for Long Drive and Closest to Pin is very similar to the setup for course play. If you choose to play a Long Drive or Closest to Pin competition on a course, the software will prompt you to choose a course and hole to play it on. If you choose to hold your competition on the Long Drive Grid, the software will send you directly to the options screen. Here you can select your preferred distance measured, as well as your allotted shots per player. By selecting “Carry Only” you are choosing to have only the carry distance recorded for your shot. Selecting “Bounce & Roll” will record the distance of the entire shot. Use these tabs to select the number of shots each player will be allowed for each turn in your competition. The options page for Closest to Pin is very similar to the Long Drive options page except for when playing Closest to Pin you are given the option to change your tee box. Click the golf ball icon on the bottom right hand corner of the options screen when you are ready to begin your competition. Long Drive and Closest to the Pin Competitions A Long Drive competition can be done on the grid or any par 4 or par 5 hole in the game and puts players in a contest where they are trying to hit the ball longer than everyone else. Closest to Pin competitions can be held on any par 3 hole in the game and puts players in a contest in which the player who hits their tee shot closest to the hole is declared the winner. The layout for each is the same, with boxes on the left hand side of the screen for the current player, today’s best shots, and for the best shots ever. 38
When you choose to play any long drive or closest to pin competition the first thing the software will prompt you to do is enter the name of a player. Use the keyboard icon to do so and select start when finished. The players name will appear at the top left hand corner of the screen along with their result for each shot for that particular turn. The best shots for the day will be recorded in this box. The best shots ever will be recorded in this box. Use the Admin tab to delete records from your competition and use the New Round tab to start with a new player. 39
Saving Long Drive & Closest To Pin Competitions Long Drive and Closest To Pin competitions will automatically be saved. If you wish to start a new competition click the Admin icon and follow the prompts to clear your records. 40
ERRORS & TROUBLE‐
SHOOTING  Check GA Frame  GA II Blocked  GA II Out of Alignment  GA II Damaged 41
Check GA Frame Anytime this message comes over your screen it means that the GolfAchiever’s lasers are not hitting its sensors. There are three primary reasons why this happens. The first and most common reason is that something is blocking the laser. The second is that your GolfAchiever may be out of alignment. The third is that there may be damage to your GolfAchiever. Blocked Laser Usually this is an easy fix and can be as simple as a golf ball wedged on top of the base arm. The first thing you should do if you see a “Check GA Frame” message is check to make sure nothing is blocking the laser. The following are some things to look for: Golf Ball – Sometimes golf balls will wedge over the top of the base arm and block the laser. Golf Tee – Check to make sure there are no golf tees blocking the laser. Turf – Sometimes the turf will “kick up” and block the laser. Club – Check to make sure no clubs are blocking the laser. People – Sometimes this problem can be as simple as somebody standing in the laser grid for an extended period of time. 42
Resolve Check GA Frame If you figure out that the problem was just something blocking the laser, simply remove whatever that object was and click “retry” on the error message. Be patient as it will look like nothing is happening. The error message should disappear within a minute and you will be ready to play again. If nothing happens within a minute or so then we still have not identified the problem. When you are certain nothing is blocking the laser, it is time to make sure the lasers are aligned. Lasers out of Alignment If your GA II is hit too hard with a golf ball or club the lasers may go out of alignment. Refer to your GA II manual or call GolfAchiever customer support to trouble‐shoot this problem. Damaged GA II If nothing is blocking the lasers and they are aligned, and you are still not getting proper readings from your unit, the GA II may be damaged. Call GolfAchiever customer support to diagnose this problem. GA II Unplugged (During Play) Sometimes your GA II may come unplugged during play. If this happens you will not see an error message, but your shots will not be read by the GolfAchiever. If you are hitting shots that aren’t being read and you don’t know why, check to see if your GA II is plugged in. If that is indeed the problem, simply plug your unit back in then access your GolfAchiever hardware settings from the “Gears” icon located on the main playing screen. Click “refresh” and wait for the GolfAchiever status to read “ok”. Then click the ok tab at the bottom of the window to resume play. GA II Unplugged (Before Play) The GA Sim software will not let you into game play if you do not have a proper working GA II unit plugged in. If, when entering the game play portion of the software, an error message comes over the screen stating that a problem has occurred and the program needs to close, it is probably because you do not have a GA II unit plugged in. To fix this, plug the unit in and try again. If the problem persists, refer to your GolfAchiever diagnostics to make sure that your unit is reading properly. 43
HOW TO’S & FAQ’S 
How to Use Two GolfAchievers with GA Sim 
How to extend the Platform 
Putting Tips 44
How to Use Two GolfAchievers with GA Sim
To use a 2nd Achiever on GA Sim, simply plug the 2nd unit into your computer before the GA Sim Software loads. If you happen to plug the unit in after the software is loaded, you can proceed to the Game Play menu and click the Gears Button, then proceed to the GA II Logo button. There you will be able to activate your 2nd GolfAchiever and you can identify which is left/right handed. How to Extend the Platform to Accommodate Multiple Units
The new platform can accommodate a left and right handed unit at the same time. If you feel the need for extra room, GolfAchiever offers the option of purchasing an additional stance mat. Contact GolfAchiever for more details. Putting Tips
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The colored putting grid gives you an idea of where the putt will break. The different colors of the grid indicate different variations of slope and are as follows: Red – Indicates a high level of uphill slope. Orange – Indicates a moderate level of uphill slope. Yellow – Indicates a minor level of uphill slope. Green – Indicates a flat green. Teal – Indicates a minor level of downhill slope. Blue – Indicates a moderate level of downhill slope. Dark Blue – Indicates a high level of downhill slope. Aiming Arrows. o Use the aiming arrows to set yourself up for the appropriate break. Subscriptions
GolfAchiever offers subscriptions as an alternative to purchasing GA Sim. Subscriptions give the user the option to change their courses every three months and the benefit of not having to pay for courses when you’re not using them. Subscriptions are generally subscribed to in pre‐set 3‐course packs with the exception of Pebble Beach and St. Andrew, which can each be subscribed to individually. 45
Current Subscribers
If you are currently subscribing to GA Sim courses, it is important to know your subscription terms and to write down the date the first time you use your subscription. The reason for this is so that there is never a period of time when you are left without courses. If you subscribe for three months, simply give us a call a few days before that subscription is about to run out and we can renew your subscription and send you a patch with your new courses. Viewing your Subscriptions You can view the status of your subscriptions from the Admin (ctrl + A) page.