ZXGolf for Spectrum 128Kb

Golf simulator for the ZX Spectrum 128K

ZXGolf is a next-generation sports simulation for the ZX Spectrum 128K that takes full advantage of the machine’s architecture: paging of the eight memory banks, ZX0 compression, and an overlay system that executes over 26 KB of effective logic within the 23 KB of available code space. The result is a single-load game with no in-game loadings and uninterrupted AY music from start to finish.

The Courses

2 full 18-hole courses (Japan and USA), each with its own fairway, rough, bunkers, water hazards, trees, and out-of-bounds areas defined cell by cell. Each hole is displayed with its marker, distance, par, and real-time score for both players. The green is a separate map with its own view: the transition from the approach shot to the putt occurs automatically when you hover over the flag.

The Shot

Classic two-button system—power and precision—with fourteen clubs featuring different lofts and initial speeds, automatic suggested club selection, and a specific putt bar on the green. The wind, with an eight-direction wind rose and variable intensity, affects every shot trajectory. Experienced players can aim for the SUPER SHOT: setting power to the top of the bar and precision on the line grants an additional ten percent power—only with the drive.

The Opponent

The CPU doesn’t execute pre-programmed shots: it analyzes the terrain by sampling seven trajectories on the actual map of the hole, weighing the fairway, green, bunkers, and trees, and decides on the club, direction, and power for each shot. On the green, it calculates the putt’s power based on the distance to the hole. An opponent that plays the course, not a scoreboard. You can also play against a friend.

The Rules

Stroke play with an official 18-hole scorecard, customizable player names, the rule of honor (the winner of the previous hole tees off first), automatic concession when exceeding double par, and gimme on short putts. The scorecard, with scores in the double digits, can be viewed at any time along with the green view via the view mode.

The Finishing Touches

Loading screen with silent loading, menu with animated attract mode—the menu and credits slide in and out line by line, without taking a single frame away from the music—illustrated hole presentation, mini-map showing hole position and trees, camera with return flight to the ball, fully redefined keys, and switchable color modes and sound effects.

Technical Specifications

System: ZX Spectrum 128K / +2 / +2A / +3 / Next and The Spectrum

Load: Single load, with title screen

Players: One player vs. the CPU, single-player, or two human players.

Course: Full 18-hole round, or just the first 9 or last 9 holes.

Engine: 128K paging, ZX0 compression, six overlays resident in banks

Sound: AY-3-8912 chip; continuous music, jingles, and sound effects

Controls: Customizable keyboard

ZXGolf. The golf game your Spectrum deserved.

Technical details:

-Programmed and compiled with Boriel Basic.

-This software was developed entirely using Claude.ai during the month of July 2026

Thanks to the testers:

• Roolandoo
• PacoVespa
• Hicks
• Conrado Badenas
• Duefectu
• Jarlaxe

 Also thanks to:

• Javi Ortiz
• José Boriel