Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition is a 2000 golf video game developed and published by Microsoft for Microsoft Windows. It is the final game in the Microsoft Golf series, and the successor to Microsoft Golf 1999 Edition. It uses the same game engine as Links LS 2000 (1999), part of Microsoft's Links series of golf games. Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition was marketed as a basic golf game with limited features, intended for casual players and beginners. It received "mixed or average reviews" according to Metacritic, with some praise going towards the game's graphics and high resolution. Some critics noted similarities between the game and Links LS 2000, and believed that it would appeal to its target demographic. Gameplay Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition is similar to Links LS 2000, and features seven courses, most of which are already featured in previous Links games and add-on disks. Courses include Bighorn in California; Bountiful Golf Club and Entrada at Snow Canyon, both in Utah; Kapalua Plantation and Mauna Kea, both in Hawaii; Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia; and the fictional Three Canyons red rock course. Courses include varying obstacles and conditions relating to wind, fog, and cloud coverage. Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition features ten game modes, five of which are absent from Links LS 2000. Modes include match, Nassau, scramble, skins, and stroke. The game also offered multiplayer through MSN Gaming Zone. The game includes three playable golf characters, and more can be custom-made by the player. The game has three swing methods, including Easy Swing and PowerStroke, both previously featured in Links LS 2000. The PowerStroke uses computer mouse motion to simulate the swing. The game includes commentary in response to golf shots. The player can take mulligans and gimmes, and can utilize various camera angles to aid in golfing. Grid lines can be placed on the course to aid in putting. Development and release Microsoft Golf 2001 was developed and published by Microsoft, which owned the rights to the Links series. Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition uses the same game engine as the 1999 game Links LS 2000. In North America, Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition was released for Microsoft Windows on August 24, 2000. It was marketed as a basic golf game with limited features, intended for casual players and beginners. Reception Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition received "mixed or average reviews" according to Metacritic. Some critics viewed Microsoft Golf 2001 Edition as