The FUTURECUP - VR GOLF with prize money.

Last month, the FUTURECUP was announced and marks the start of the first prize money VR GOLF Sim Tournament Series. While other more arcade-style VR GOLF games, such as Golf+, have previously hosted tournaments and Leagues, the FUTURECUP stands out as the only cup for the only VR GOLF Sim available - TGCVR. In this article we'll explain how VR GOLF Sim and VR GOLF Arcade are different, talk about the handicap system for different difficulty levels, and quickly cover the rules, general info and how you can participate in the end of this article.

VR GOLF Sim vs VR GOLF Arcade

VR GOLF gained traction in 2022, yet few are aware it has been around since 2016. With the introduction of one of the first VR headsets on the market, the HTC Vive, the developers of TGCVR - who remain a major player in the golf gaming industry to this day - recognized the potential for golf to seamlessly translate into the VR realm, offering an exceptionally realistic experience. They crafted the highly realistic VR GOLF Sim, TGCVR, made possible by the groundbreaking 'lighthouse tracking' technology, which provided exceptionally precise tracking capabilities, a revolution at the time.

Why TGCVR is considered ABANDONWARE now...

However, despite their amazing product, the high cost of VR headsets and the need for specific hardware stopped many people from using it widely. This led to very few sales and unfortunately the developers stopped support for TGCVR a few months after launch and the project ending early. Now, fast forward to today, PCs have improved so they can handle TGCVR better, and more people have VR headsets. Still, TGCVR is considered the best VR GOLF Sim ever made.

Returning to the lighthouse tracking system: It's crucial to understand that only this system can truly replicate the feeling of playing VR GOLF like a real simulator because it accurately tracks your swing speed. Nowadays, most VR headsets prioritize factors like resolution and additional features, rather than just focusing on tracking. This shift reflects the preferences of users who prioritize ease of use over pinpoint accuracy.

For example, the Quest series often has trouble tracking faster swing speeds, causing glitches when swingspeeds exceed 75mph. Similarly, tracking systems like the controller-based HP Reverb G2 frequently experience glitches due to technical constraints.

What sets apart a "VR GOLF Sim" from a "VR GOLF Arcade" ?

In simple terms - it's realism. The top VR GOLF Arcade, Golf+, only estimates and predicts your swing, rather than offering immediate feedback on swing speeds or ball impact. It's designed for casual golfers, who make up about 95% of VR Golfers. It's a great tool for casual fun but has very little to do with real golf.

TGCVR, on the other hand, as the authentic VR GOLF Sim, replicates real-life golf on a 1:1 scale, effectively bringing the golfing experience into your living room with unparalleled realism. Despite its impressive potential, only a minority of players have been able to achieve a 1:1 simulation-like experience due to a lack of guidance on software and hardware optimization at the time, such as tweaking frames or using high-quality custom VR GOLF handles. While it's possible to play TGCVR with a controller or a subpar attachment, the experience falls short of complete immersion, which is achievable with proper equipment.

Today, fortunately, FUTUREOFGOLF offers many tutorial videos, guidance, and custom hardware to bring this real 1:1 experience closer to anyone who's interested.

The Handicap System

Now that you know TGCVR in the PRO difficulty closely resembles real golf and is equally challenging, you'll appreciate how the FUTURECUP's handicap system is tailored to different difficulty levels in the game. Each handicap value is carefully calculated to ensure fairness.

Take, for example, the Putting Average (PA). In golf, sinking the ball typically requires two putts on the green. In the beginner difficulty of TGCVR, your PA is 1.8, which is 0.2 better. This is because of the in-game feature of a "ghost putt" and the ability to lock in your aim, allowing for more accurate putting. On the other hand, in the PRO difficulty, which truly makes TGCVR a simulator, the PA increases to 2.6 - almost an additional putt per green compared to the beginner difficulty. This is due to the absence of a "ghost putt" and aiming assistance, making putting significantly more challenging.

This handicap system adjusts your score based on your difficulty level. For instance, in the CASUAL difficulty, shooting a 75 adds six shots (+6), resulting in an 81. On the other hand, in the PRO difficulty, shooting a 95 deducts twelve shots (-12), making it count as an 83.

While the calculations above may be adjusted in the future based on outcomes, the current handicap system remains unchanged. Participants are free to choose their preferred difficulty level, with even novice TGCVR players having the chance to succeed in the FUTURECUP by utilizing the assistance provided in the beginner difficulty.

How can you join the FUTURECUP ?

Whether you're watching as a spectator or participating as a player, the entire cup will be livestreamed from the perspective of FUTUREOFGOLF, offering viewers the opportunity to witness Rob's results live. The stream is free to watch and guarantees entertainment and excitement for every golf fan.

If you're a TGCVR player aiming to compete for prize money, simply check the specified date and time, which you can find on all social media channels. Tune into the livestream on that day and watch the live drawing of the course for the matchday from a randomized pool.

No registration or permission is required. Just play the designated course during the specified window while the cup is LIVE, take a screenshot of your final score, and upload it to the designated FUTURECUP channel on Discord for the corresponding matchday. Winners will be announced after the playing window ends.

Best wishes to all participants, and we look forward to seeing you in the next FUTURECUP, whether in the chat or in-game.