What is the difference between practice mode and tournament mode?

In tournament mode, you are limited to seven strokes per hole; in practice mode, there is no limit.

In practice mode, you can use cheat keys to repeatedly play holes that are giving you trouble. Cheat keys include:

R -- Replay the hole from the beginning
P -- Go to the previous hole
N -- Go to the next hole

Note: The cheat keys won't work until after you have clicked the mouse for the first time in the applet window. This is Java default behavior.

How do I aim my shot?

When you click on the image of the golf course, an aiming arrow will appear. The direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the shot, and the size of the arrow indicates the force. Press the SWING button to initiate the shot.

The ball doesn't go in the direction of the aiming arrow.

Try to release the SWING button when the red Aim indicator is at the center of its range.

How can I keep the ball from rolling back down the slopes?

Try hitting the ball at an angle to the slope; this gives it a longer distance to slow down.