In the last few years the gaming industry has grown immensly and it seems the problem with a lot of sports like golf and tennis is that you only watch them if you actually play the game. Just how close are computer games to the real thing? The question is, do you burn the same amount when you are playing the sports on a games console? The answer to this question is . . . perhaps.  Obviously if you are buying say a golf game for the 360 or PS3 it is not going to do anything apart from save you money on one of those electric golf trolleys.

The only real aspect of the golf game that you are going to lose out on if you were to purchase a computer game on the Wii is the waking part. To be fair most of the pro. Game devlopers are always looking to improve the games they are making and this has become more of a competition than anything and the Wii is taking advantage of this by using its powerful motion sensing technlogy. When you are playing games on the Wii like golf and tennis it really does feel like you are playing the real thing at certain moments, the same is true for all sports in which you use your hands. The new Wii atachment is out later this year which is going to put motion sensing technology at an even better rate than it already is now. With the invention of this new technology for the Wii it is going to enable game devlopers to make the games even more realistic. Is this really having any affect at all? A good idea if you are short of cash and want to just have a laugh but not so great for all the time instead of playing the sport. No need to even be dressed in your best golf gear to play golf on any of the consoles, a great idea.

For me I love computer games however I do feel that they should stop making sporting games more realistic and concentrate on making the ones you can go out and do better. Every sport requires a huge talent to be able to play in a half decent way and it would certainly be a shame to see less and less people to start playing over time because of computer games.

So next time your stuck between going out in the rain for a round of golf or plugging in the Wii for a bit of a game, stop and think, the real thing is always better so charge up those golf batteries and get playing!

Employ your muscles well and you will do fine in golf and be relaxed too.  Stretching exercises will help you prepare for golf games as well.  Like any game, knowing the rules and having the right equipment will not ensure your success in the game.  It is also important that golf etiquette will not be far away in your mind.

Golf is an old game, it however, will not last that long if players will not follow the rules, employ fairness and play with ethics.

Now, what are the rules and the ethics that need application?

Let us start with the rulesf.  Only one general rule however, that is fairness in all aspect of the game.

Other rules that the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) establish and enforce include the following:

- Play the ball from the position where it rests after a stroke.

- Do not revise the condition of the ground or any parts of the course to gain an unfair advantage.

- The ball may not be replaced during the game except when the golf ball is proven unplayable or destroyed.

- You are disallowed to play as an amateur game if you have played for money in any way.

Golf associations follow the general rules stated above.  Other golf associations employ minor revisions to the golfing rules but the above rules are always part of them.

The rules however are not enough if you cannot follow the ethical rules on the green.

Golf etiquette

- Respect other players, as you wish to be respected.

- Do not speak too loudly that you may hamper other players’ concentration.

- Be on time, especially for your schedule on the tee.

- Ensure not to get in the way of other players.

- Leave the tee immediately after you have made the shot.

- Do not walk too fast or too slow that you may be far from your flight partner.

- Do not stand too close to the hole even if you are holding the flagstick.

If you notice, the above rules are merely exhibition of common sense.  Just like in playing any game, following the rules and exhibiting ethics may help you play the game properly.  However, this will not ensure that you will play a great game.

Practice will help you improve your game.  Practice and adherence to the rules of the game and the rules of ethics will help you learn as much in the green.  This is because other players around the golf course will not be hesitant giving you useful comment that may help you improve your game.

A person who is ready, willing and able to learn will surely improve from a beginner, amateur and forward into becoming a golf professional.

Mentoring is also important in golf.  If you want to improve your game, find a mentor, golf professional and learn the intricacies of the game.

However, you do not need all the power you have, what you need is practice, follow the rules of the game and the golf etiquette and you will be well on your way to being a good golf player.