Focal Golf Program for the Pdp-8 (8k) Computer

This document serves as the program documentation for a FOCAL golf simulation developed for the 8K PDP-8 computer. The program simulates a round of golf, allowing players to select clubs, shot power, and direction while incorporating random variables and environmental factors like wind, sand traps, and water.

Key aspects of the document include:

• Operating Instructions: Requirements for loading the software using RIM and BIN loaders, configuring FOCAL for the 8K system, and loading the game tapes.
• Operation Philosophy: An overview of how the game is played, including the input of player skill levels (power, accuracy, and putting), the process for reading in hole data, and the mechanic of responding to shot-selection prompts.
• Creating Custom Holes: Technical guidance for users who wish to create their own golf courses, including definitions for hole sections (NO), status codes for terrain types (green, fairway, sand, etc.), and the required formatting for the input papertapes.
• Code Reference: A complete listing of the control program and hole-data algorithms, along with a nomenclature list defining the variables used in the source code.
• Program Features: The simulation includes a diagnostic flowchart for the program's logic and helpful hints for managing game flow, such as how to handle errors or abort specific printouts.