Mario has been a lot of things over the years. Throughout his long history, Nintendo's mustachioed mascot has had seemingly every profession under the sun, ranging from a plumber to an Olympic athlete. No pastime seems out of reach for this plucky protagonist and his friends.
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It's not all that surprising that he's lumped golf into his list of hobbies. In fact, Mario Golf is its own spinoff series within the larger Mario franchise. The latest title, Mario Golf: Super Rush, expands on the foundations set by previous entries, and everything adds up to a fairly detailed golf sim. As such, players hoping for a hole-in-one will need to know which items to buy, as many of them have a noticeable impact on the game.
10 Stamina Attire
The first of a few outfits in the game, the Stamina Attire does exactly what it advertises; reduce the loss of stamina. Specifically, it conserves energy when dashing. One wouldn't think that a slow sport like golf would require much stamina. After all, it's not exactly basketball or either version of football.
It's surprising, then, how much stamina Mario requires during the various modes and conditions. This is a particular problem when playing Speed Golf. A shirt that cuts down on energy usage proves a tremendous boon for players. Unlike many of the more specialized equipment, it's a strong, all-around item.
9 Bullet Bill 7 Iron
Wind resistance is an important factor in any sport, be it on the player or the ball. It's only logical to include a club to combat this element. Golf balls hit with the Bullet Bill 7 Iron will fare better against anything from gentle breezes to strong gusts.
This extends to wind resulting from inclement weather like storms. In chaotic stages like the Bowser Highlands, that problem is more prominent. Even with high wind speeds that would presumably shut down a real-life game, the club in question maintains accuracy with every swing.
8 Range Finder
This little gadget is one of a kind, and it's perhaps the most useful. The Range Finder helps gauge the distance between the golfer and his/her target. Obviously, this then determines which club to use and what kind of swing to employ.
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The tool doesn't just measure how far the hole is, though. The Range Finder can also tell the distance between golfers and environmental hazards. This can further inform their shot, and it's all the more important with disastrous hazards like tornados. More so than any club or clothing, the Range Finder is a must-have tool for beginners and veterans alike.
7 Super Mushroom Driver
This golf club is great for generation topspin, possibly as a reference to the spinning mushrooms from the other Mario games. In any case, this helps propel the ball over tremendous distances. This aids in clearing some of the longer courses, but that's not all.
The Super Mushroom Driver is ideal for bypassing ground-based obstacles; the ball just soars right over them. It's a great leg up when a lengthy lake or bunker stands between Mario and the hole. Distance is one of the few constants that players must account for in all courses. To cover this basic need, this club is the way to go.
6 Piranha Plant Approach Wedge
To go along with the Super Mushroom Driver's gift for distance, the Piranha Plant Approach Wedge primarily generates height. It almost functions as a companion piece since it also serves a fundamental and universal purpose.
There never comes a point where this club isn't useful to some extent. In fact, it can be essential for topping tall hazards such as trees and even tornados. Why go around when going over works just as well, especially when conserving swings? Hit it right, and players can even land the ball on top of a tornado and ride it to progress even further. Those are just some of the possibilities open with this basic tool.
5 Lightning 6 Hybrid
Hybrids generally make some balanced clubs, but this particular tool has a special purpose. As its name suggests, it decreases the negative effects of lightning strikes. That may not sound like a probable occurrence, but getting shocked is a palpable danger for the golfer in inclement weather.
Lightning isn't limited to storms in this game, however. The Great Trials, for instance, confront players with a mysterious knight that shoots electric bolts. The Lightning 6 Hybrid can be a convenient buffer while players learn the pattern. Once again, getting struck by lightning isn't likely in the real world, but Mario's realm plays by different rules. Some characters even use lightning to their advantage.
4 Cool Attire
When preparing for a swing, players must consider both the ball and themselves. After all, a healthy player means a productive drive. That's really important in warmer environments such as the Balmy Dunes.
The Cool Attire counters this challenge by regulating players' body heat. As a result, they don't require as much water to keep their energy up. Not only does this benefit hotter rounds, but it also aids in keeping up the pace during Speed Golf. This makes it one of the more useful clothing items in the game. Like the best tools, it serves multiple functions.
3 Ice Bro Approach Wedge
Ice is never fun to traverse in games. Mario fans should know how cumbersome it is for platforming, and it's no less annoying here. The frosty terrain can mess up Mario's swing more than any sand dune.
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Maintaining control is a must for any course, and the Ice Bro Approach Wedge makes that possible in the winter climate. The club increases the player's influence over the ball in ice and snow. Those thinking of tackling the Bowser Highlands or Mount Snow should purchase this equipment sooner rather than later.
2 Dry Bones Shell 3 Wood
It doesn't matter how good a swing Mario has; his ball will eventually tumble into a bunker. Any golfer knows this severely undermines his hope for a decent score. Luckily, that issue is somewhat lessened by this club.
The Dry Bones Shell 3 Wood--named for someone who should have been in the game--excels in low-trajectory shots. This makes it an ideal tool for hitting a ball upward and out of a bunker. It won't save a doomed game, but it can shift the score by a few strokes. Sometimes, the small stuff makes a world of difference.
1 Desert Shoes
Another article of clothing, shoes require just as much thought as the shirts. Bunkers and sandy patches don't just affect the golf ball; they also hinder the players. Needless to say, that's a problem with time-sensitive games like Speed Golf.
To keep things moving, Mario and his friends should invest in Desert Shoes. This footwear reduces the amount of speed lost in bunkers, quicksand, and waste areas. While such hazards are more prevalent in areas like the Balmy Dunes, they are still present enough in the other stages to make the Desert Shoes a worthy investment.