How much room on cocktail CP needed for GT?

[rackoon]

Here is the deal.,
     I am building a three sided cocktail and have all the parts for the long third side CP.  (4x joys, 12x buttons, 1x 3" GT trackball, metal CP, and several Bi-metal hole saws.) Oh, and my CP is 6" deep.

    I have never played Golden Tee but want to include it because I read somewhere that it has been the #1 upright for many years running. If that many people like it then I'm sure I will to.

PROBLEM: There will be joysticks on both sides of trackball. I have seen many GT machines and they have a wide open CP. Will I be whacking a joystick every time I swing? How hard do ya need to spin the trackball to hit the ball far?

   Should I place the trackball at the far end of the CP so I can really spin that sucker? Like I said, I have never played the game.

Any input would be hepfull, thanks.

[BobA]

Space is really needed behind the trackball to get the proper spin in GT.  Very hard to do on a cocktail table with panels that are not very deep.   Maybe you could put the tball in an open area where you can get the proper room to spin it.

BobA

[Sinner]

I've figured out a technique, using my thumbs for GT, when there isn't a lot of space on the CP...I think I can get just as much of a spin, as I can using the palm of my hand...difficult to explain the mechanics behind it, but I'll post picks if you want...

[rackoon]

Thanks for the input guys. I had a feeling that I was going to have a  space issue. I was going to extend the glass over the CP but now I think that would make matters worse.

I wonder if I could adjust the sensitivity of the trackball to make up for lack of spin. Or maybe I could reverse the spin. (Well that might be kind of weird to play).
 
    Yo SINNER, a couple of pics would be sweet. I Think I know what you are doing. One would press down hard on edge of trackball and flick both thumbs forward. Is that it?

[SeanCyrusTowel]

Yo SINNER, a couple of pics would be sweet. I Think I know what you are doing. One would press down hard on edge of trackball and flick both thumbs forward. Is that it?

Yeah, he posted a picture in another thread recently about it.  that is his general idea.

I have a suggestion for you however.  If this is a cocktail, why not be origanal and place the trackball on top of the table.  While Golden Tee trackballs are typically of the larger variety (3" sometimes 4" I believe) make it a smaller 2 1/4" and not a high lip so it is recessed a bit, into the table top.  This will give you plenty of room to whack that ball, unless the person sitting across from you has a large nose.

[rackoon]

Wow, that's a great idea!

   I am going to call the glass shop and see if they could cut a hole in the glass or maybe a notch around a small platform or box.

   In fact I am not sure that I want the third CP covered in glass. I got to cover the two end CPs for looks and was hoping to cover the third side one also. Yet, I could live with out it.

   I must re plan my third CP.

   Any one else got any ideas about what would look cool and function well, regarding a top level track ball? I'm thinking a 6x6 (in the middle of my 32" CP) wood box with top metal plate, maybe.

[SeanCyrusTowel]

Wow, that's a great idea!

Glad to have contributed something worthwhile and unique

[Sinner]

Thanks for the input guys. I had a feeling that I was going to have a