Great Golf can be played with up to four people as players simply rotate the controllers. Two modes of play are included, Stroke and Match. Both modes of play are quite similar but Match play is only for two players. There is but one course featured in the complete game. It contains the standard 18 holes with roughs, trees, bunkers, and water hazards.
Before hitting the links players must choose which 14 clubs to take with them. At each hole users receive a view from behind their character on the right side of the screen. Along the left side of the screen is an overhead shot of the current hole and its useful information: hole number, yards from tee to the hole, par, wind direction, and wind speed. Players then choose their club, footing, and shot direction. While hitting the ball a power meter is used to determine the strength of the shot.