Though serious arcade rats (what's left of them) typically scoff at casual-targeted machines like Golden Tee, it's surprising to see just how far ahead of the game the golf series is, at least in terms of technology.

Golden Tee LIVE 2010, for example, doesn't just offer "grip it and spank it" gameplay; it allows virtual golfers to link their player card to an online account, where they can view personal stats and dress their avatar. They can even upload videos of hole-in-ones directly from a Golden Tee machine to Youtube for free.

The latest new feature Incredible Technologies has added to the trackball game, Golden Tee Connect, enables players to attach their account to Facebook. Once a player has set it up, the next time he or she plays Golden Tee LIVE 2010, the machine will automatically send a Facebook status update that you're playing the game at a specific location.

So, if you're on the lam, make sure not to turn on this functionality, as the police are likely following your Facebook updates and will interrupt your game once they see you're hanging out at a local bar.

[Via Arcade Heroes]