Microsoft Press Releases Hello there! We've got some hot August nights in store for you on Zone.com! For three Thursdays this month, key members of the Links 2001 development team will be on hand to answer your questions at http://www.zone.com/zzzz/auditorium.asp. The team members in the spotlight tonight include: Steven Zobell - Development Manager Steven has been with Access/Microsoft for over eight years. He was initially hired at Access to work on MS Golf version 1.0, and he then moved over to the Links side of the business for Links LS 1997. Steven was the Development Lead on Links LS 1998, 1999 and 2000. Matt Dawson - Lead Software Design Engineer Matt started working at Access/Microsoft nearly seven years ago. His first project was Microsoft Golf 2.0 which was a port of Links 386 to Windows. Since that time, he's worked on several versions of Links as well as a few other products. All the chats will take place at 6pm PDT on the following days: * August 3 - Steve Zobell/Matt Dawson Topic: "Why Links 2001 is the largest upgrade in the history of Links" * August 17 - Mark McArthur Topic: "How we create golf courses in Links 2001 using the Arnold Palmer Course Designer" * August 31 - Mark Hulka Topic: "Links Tour 2001" Participation is encouraged, so bring your best questions to the Zone.com Theater Auditorium on any of the above dates. Hope to see you there! ----------------------------------------- Official Links 2001 site: http://www.microsoft.com/games/links2001/ ----------------------------------------- As always, if you have any questions or if you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me. Cheers, Steve   **************************** PRESS RELEASE: JULY 27, 2000 **************************** MICROSOFT "LINKS 2001" INKS DEAL WITH ANNIKA SORENSTAM, THE LPGA'S TOP PLAYER IN 2000 REDMOND, Wash. -- July 27, 2000 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced an agreement with professional golfer Annika Sorenstam, LPGA Tour standout and two-time U.S. Women's Open champion, to promote the upcoming release of the Microsoft® "Links 2001™" PC golf simulation game. "Links 2001," the newest version of Microsoft's leading PC golf franchise, is scheduled to appear in retail locations in late October. "I'm a total computer buff, so it's a thrill for me to see my likeness and playing style captured in a video game," Sorenstam said. "The accuracy of 'Links 2001' is remarkable. My hope is that it gives virtual golf players a real feeling for what the professionals experience when they're on the green and competing." With 23 career victories on the LPGA Tour, including five this season, Sorenstam becomes the most recent golf great to join the "Links" family. The agreement with the 1994 LPGA Rookie of the Year and 1995 Player of the Year will include the use of her name and likeness on the upcoming "Links 2001" box and other marketing materials. The deal also is structured to feature Sorenstam as one of the 14 player selection options for "Links 2001." She will also appear on the "Links 2001" Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/links2001/. Sorenstam joins PGA legend Arnold Palmer and 1999 PGA Championship runner-up Sergio Garcia on the game box and as a player selection option. The agreement with Sorenstam marks the first time that Microsoft has featured a member of the LPGA Tour in any of its golf games or properties. "Annika is the perfect addition to the 'Links' franchise as women's presence in the golfing and PC golfing world continues to grow," said Scott Lee, product manager for "Links 2001" at Microsoft. "Now, casual golfers and PC golfers can play at some of the most famous courses in the world with Annika and her unique playing style right there on the screen." Sorenstam recently participated in video sessions with the game producers, in which her swing types were captured from multiple camera angles to re-create her actual swing for the game. This version of the best-selling golf simulation will feature an entirely new graphics engine that delivers unprecedented ball physics and graphics, and the addition of the Arnold Palmer Course Designer, which allows PC golfers to re-create their home courses with the same tools as those used by the "Links 2001" team. Other improvements to "Links 2001" include new tour players and courses, new golfer animations and personalities, customizable club distances that allow for an even more accurate re-creation of a player's actual game, and faster and easier online play.   PRESS RELEASE: MICROSOFT TEAMS UP WITH SERGIO GARCIA, GOLF'S NEWEST SUPERSTAR  ***************************** PRESS RELEASE: MARCH 15, 2000 ***************************** MICROSOFT TEAMS UP WITH SERGIO GARCIA, GOLF'S NEWEST SUPERSTAR, TO BRING SPORTS INTO THE 21st CENTURY VIA "LINKS" AND THE INTERNET ORLANDO, Fla. (March 15, 2000) Adding one of the hottest young athletes to its PC sports games roster that already includes Arnold Palmer, Mark Brunell and Nomar Garciaparra, Microsoft Corp. today announced a relationship with professional golfer Sergio Garcia to promote the Microsoft "Links" PC golf simulation and its WingspanBank.com Virtual Golf Association (VGA), the largest, most authentic golfing event in the history of the Internet (http://www.zone.com/vga/). The announcement comes a day before Sergio competes in the Bay Hill Invitational 2000, hosted by Palmer and featuring a $2.8 million purse. Microsoft's initial five-year deal with Sergio will begin with the young Spanish player serving as a spokesman for the VGA as well as participating in the VGA Tour as an exhibition player, giving PC golfers the chance to compete against the best. Sergio will also be featured along with Palmer in "Links 2001," the next version of the best-selling PC golf simulation, scheduled to be available this fall. Both Sergio and Palmer will be featured on the box and in the game as player models, the latter through motion-capture technology. A PC-gaming enthusiast, Sergio will play an active role in the development of future versions of the game and consult with Microsoft on online components that will enhance the PC golf experience, including the VGA. Finally, Sergio's management group, TeamSergio, and Microsoft will co-develop Sergio's official Web site, at http://www.SergioGarcia.com/. Scheduled to launch in mid-2000, the site will include the latest photographs, news, interviews, tips and merchandise featuring Sergio. Currently ranked No. 15 in the world, Sergio's meteoric rise through the ranks has featured some of the most exciting play on the tour in the past year. At the PGA Championship at Medinah, Ill., in 1999, Sergio staged a thrilling duel to the finish with Tiger Woods and finished second to the world's top-ranked player while also earning European Shot of the Year honors. "Playing video games is my favorite pastime, and to be part of a game - not only as a character but also in helping to develop it - is really a dream come true," Sergio said. "Having Microsoft as the developer and Arnold Palmer as the 'father' of 'Links' makes it something very special. The relationship between TeamSergio, Microsoft and me to develop Internet projects creates a horizon of limitless potential." "Microsoft has a tradition of working with not only the best athletes in each sport but the best sportsmen as well," said Ed Fries, general manager at Microsoft Games. "Nobody illustrates that point better than Arnold Palmer, who has represented himself and the 'Links' franchise with such dignity over the years. With his combination of tremendous talent and grace under pressure, Sergio has demonstrated these qualities as well. Microsoft is honored to have our 'Links' franchise and the VGA represented by the best in two generations of golf." Providing some of the most memorable moments in golf during the past year is only the latest highlight in an already distinguished career for the 20-year-old Sergio. A club champion in his native Spain by age 12, he reached the "scratch" handicap milestone a year later. He made the cut at his first professional event at age 14 and became the youngest European Amateur Champion in history when he was 15. The highlight of his amateur career came in 1998, when he won the British Amateur Championship at Muirfield, Scotland. From 1995 to 1999, Sergio compiled 19 amateur championships. He was rated the No. 1 amateur golfer worldwide from June 1998 through April 1999. Sergio turned professional in April 1999, after competing in 28 professional events as an amateur and making the cut in 21 of them. His first professional victory came in his sixth start at the Murphy's Irish Open, where he won by three strokes. He earned his second European Tour victory at the Linde German Masters, winning in a sudden-death playoff. During his debut year on the tour, Sergio was named European Rookie of the Year, earned more than $1.8 million, captained the 1999 Dunhill Cup winning team, and served as the youngest member ever of a Ryder Cub team and the youngest player ever in the Skins game. The VGA brings together the MSN™ Gaming Zone (http://www.zone.com/), the No. 1 multiplayer gaming site, and "Links," the leading PC golf simulation, for the largest, most authentic golfing event in the history of the Internet. Modeled after the real-world golf tournaments of the PGA of America, the PGA Tour and the U.S. Golf Association (USGA), the VGA Tour offers a series of sponsored online golf tournaments that are comparable in size, scope and visual appeal to the actual pro golfers' tours. The winner* of this online golfing tour will bring home an unprecedented cash prize of $100,000, the largest grand prize ever awarded in an online sporting event. Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. ######### *Open solely to U.S. and Canadian residents 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void in Arizona, North Dakota, Maryland, Florida, Vermont and the Province of Quebec. Game ends Sept. 15, 2000. See http://www.zone.com/vga/ for full rules and details. Microsoft, "Links," Virtual Golf Association, VGA and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. ***************************** PRESS RELEASE: MARCH 15, 2000 ***************************** MICROSOFT AND PRO GOLF'S ELITE LAUNCH THE LARGEST, MOST AUTHENTIC GOLF EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE INTERNET WITH A $100,000 GRAND PRIZE Sergio Garcia Kicks Off WingspanBank.com Virtual Golf Association Tour at Bay Hill Invitational 2000 ORLANDO, Fla. (March 15, 2000) One day before the best players in professional golf begin competing at the Bay Hill Invitational 2000, Microsoft Corp. assembled an impressive team of its own to unveil details of the largest, most authentic golfing event in the history of the Internet. Golf's newest sensation, Sergio Garcia, along with Microsoft and WingspanBank.com representatives, announced the WingspanBank.com Virtual Golf Association Tour (http://www.zone.com/vga/). In addition, Microsoft® Games General Manager Ed Fries announced the addition of Sergio to the Microsoft roster of athletes as a spokesperson for the VGA and a co-developer of future versions of the "Links" PC golf simulation. Modeled after the real-world golf tournaments of the PGA Tour, PGA of America and USGA, the VGA Tour offers a series of sponsored online golf tournaments comparable in size, scope and visual appeal to the professional golfers' tour. With the involvement of the MSN™ Gaming Zone, the No. 1 multiplayer gaming site, and "Links," the leading PC golf simulation, the VGA Tour has already attracted more than 2,500 participants. The first event on the VGA Tour began March 10 with PC golfers competing on a simulation of the Bay Hill course. The final round of the VGA Tour Bay Hill Invitational coincides with the final round of the real-world Bay Hill Invitational 2000 on March 19. The VGA features realistic tour conditions from the best-selling "Links 2000" PC golf simulation; major corporate sponsors including WingspanBank.com, Golf Week, Golf Digest, The Golf Channel and PGA.com (http://www.pga.com/), the official Web site of the PGA of America; and the involvement of the elite from professional golf, both on the links and behind the scenes. "With an unprecedented grand prize of $100,000, the participation of golf superstar Sergio and premium corporate sponsors and partners, the VGA proves that major sporting events are now possible online," Fries said. "However, in contrast to a real-world pro golf tour, everyone with Internet access now has the chance to participate. Microsoft is proud to lead the way in establishing the Internet as a viable option for authentic, full-scale sports events." Beginning with the Bay Hill tournament, PC golf gamers compete* in the VGA Tour using Microsoft "Links 2000" in a series of monthly multiplayer golf tournaments that map to the real world's best golf events, including the British Open at St. Andrews and the Advil Western Open at Cog Hill. Players will accumulate money-board earnings based on their performances in these monthly tournaments. In October, the top 64 money-board leaders will compete in an online semifinals tournament. The outcome will determine the top four players who will win a trip to Hawaii to compete for the $100,000 grand prize at the world-class Princeville Hawaii Country Club in November. Participation in the WingspanBank.com VGA Tour requires "Links 2000," a free VGA Tour courses CD and a free** Zone membership. More information on ordering or downloading these elements can be found at http://www.zone.com/vga/. The WingspanBank.com VGA Tour schedule follows: · March 10-19: Bay Hill Invitational, Bay Hill Club and Lodge · April 7-16: MCI Classic - Heritage of Golf, Harbor Town Golf Links · May 12-21: Mauna Kea Town Tournament, Mauna Kea Course · June 30-July 9: Advil Western Open, Cog Hill Golf and Country Club · July 14-23: British Open, St. Andrews · Aug. 18-27: NEC Invitational, Firestone Country Club · Sept. 1-15: Covered Bridge Town Tournament, Covered Bridge Town Course · Oct. 14-15: Innisbrook Semifinals, Innisbrook Country Club · Nov. 20-22: Princeville Finals, Princeville Hawaii Country Club About the MSN Gaming Zone The MSN Gaming Zone is the largest multiplayer online gaming site on the Internet, with more than 12 million registered members around the world, more than 66,000 users at peak times and more than 100 games available to play. The Zone offers free** membership and a wide variety of games, including free card, board and puzzle games; free matchmaking for popular CD-ROM games; and premium, massively multiplayer games. About Microsoft "Links 2000" The latest version of the best-selling golf simulation game captures all the precision and passion that has become synonymous with the "Links" series. Both novice and experienced PC golfers are sure to marvel at the accessibility and unrivaled depth of the game's features. "Links 2000" supports more than 25 of the world's most respected and sought-after courses, from Hawaii's Mauna Kea to Canada's Banff Springs to St. Andrews Old Course, site of the Millennium Open. About WingspanBank.com WingspanBank.com is a division of First USA Bank NA, a subsidiary of Bank One Corp. WingspanBank.com is the new powerhouse in online personal finance, offering consumers unparalleled freedom and choice in managing their money. WingspanBank.com provides consumers with a wide range of financial products and services brought together at one Web site, (http://www.wingspanbank.com/) including traditional banking, planning services, investments and objective search tools. For all your financial needs, including checking, electronic bill paying and credit cards, WingspanBank.com, the bank that saves you time make you money. About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. ######### *Open solely to U.S. and Canadian residents 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void in Arizona, North Dakota, Maryland, Florida and Vermont and the Province of Quebec. Game ends Sept. 15, 2000. See http://www.zone.com/vga/ for full rules and details. **Connect-time charges may apply. Microsoft, Virtual Golf Association, VGA, "Links" and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. ***************************** MEDIA ALERT: JANUARY 26, 2000 ***************************** LINKS LS 2000 10-COURSE PACK GOES GOLD Microsoft announced today that the Links LS 2000 10-Course Pack enhancement, developed by Access Software, has gone gold. This means the product is completed and is expected to start showing up on store shelves in the U.S. in mid-February.  The 10-Course Pack features ten championship courses, each optimized for tournament play with Links LS 2000. Featuring sites of major professional tournaments and other popular venues, the new 10-Course Pack features Links LS 2000 versions of Firestone, Castle Pines, Sea Island, Kapalua Plantation, Kapalua Village, and Bountiful.  The 10-Course Pack also includes Pinehurst No. 2, Entrada at Snow Canyon, Latrobe Country Club (fall & summer), and the all-new Three Canyons Fantasy Course.  Three Canyons is an 18-hole executive course that'll challenge even the most seasoned golfer. Surrounded by three canyons and wrapping around a lake, each hole will put players' accuracy and putting skills to the test. Players will also experience the thrill of a tournament setting with the Links LS 2000 10-Course Pack.  Each course includes the addition of thousands of spectators along the fairways and greens, ambient sounds, TV towers, leader boards and more, putting Links players at the center of the action. The 10-Course Pack has an estimated street price of $20.  The game add-on will only run with LS 2000 or LS 1999, and owners of previous versions of Links and MS Golf are eligible for a $15 rebate when they upgrade to Links LS 2000. Details on this offer can be found on the Links LS 2000 box. Links LS 2000 10-Course Pack will be available for online matchmaking on the MSN Gaming Zone (http://www.zone.com), with additional tournament support via the LS Tour site (http://www.lstour.com). For more information on the Links LS 2000 10-Course Pack, including downloadable AVIs of each championship hole, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/games/linkscourses/ To: "Steve Cherrier" <steve@arbuthnot.com> Subject: Good news regarding Tournament API From: "Steve Cherrier" <steve@arbuthnot.com> Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 16:52:40 -0800 Hello there: I know that there has been a lot of discussion over the last two days regarding Tournament API support in future versions of Links LS. I want you to know that Microsoft listened to all of the comments and suggestions -- and even the angry responses. Even though it will take a significant amount of effort to include Tournament API support in the next version of Links, Microsoft has decided to do this this because of its importance to you and the Links community. We realize how important the hosting of tournaments is to the many fine Web sites devoted to this. We very much would like to continue to support your efforts in this regard and will ensure that the next version of Links LS includes Tournament API support. Please know that it was never the intention to alienate the long-standing Links community. Without such an active and supportive community, Links would not be where it is today. Thanks for your patience. Cheers, Steve -- Steve Cherrier - Community Development Specialist steve@arbuthnot.com - ICQ# 184140 a r b u t h n o t c o m m u n i c a t i o n s, i n c. http://www.arbuthnot.com - (p) 415 431 2300   [home] [about] [playing tips] [download zone] [cases standing] [guestbook] All rights reserved. For personal use only. © 1996-1998, John"Firehead" Pineda