Home computer golf games sure have come a long way since the first ones came out in the ‘80s. The graphics and audio have gotten dramatically better every year, but unless you’re willing to plunk down $15,000 or so for a studio-type simulator, the one thing that hasn’t really improved is the process of “hitting” the ball.

Until now. The OptiShot simulator comes with a swing pad that connects to your PC and takes golf on your computer to a whole other level. What's really great is that you can use your own clubs as you play one of the courses or practice on the range.

Sixteen infrared sensors in the pad track the clubhead’s speed, face angle, tempo and swing path and calculate a realistic ball flight that appears onscreen based on how well you swung the club. It’s a heck of a lot better than using your mouse or keyboard to “swing” the club. Even Wii’s vibrating MotionPlus Remote controller doesn’t quite cut it.

The indoor-only system comes with eight courses that replicate layouts like Torrey Pines South, Bethpage Black and Bighorn, while the most famous replications (Augusta National, Old Course and Whistling Straits) are $50 each. Up to four golfers can play at a time using either one of the included foam balls or no ball at all. You can even use a real ball, though it’s a good idea to hang a blanket up first.

After all, you only want it so real.

$400 (Windows XP, Vista or 7 only), dancindogg.com