Z-axis movement in sports game: Help requested

Hi Folks,

I've been working on a Golf game for a project we're doing at work.

I have the graphics and rendered backgrounds in place. Unfortunately the projectiles code is causing problems.

I used a hacked COS / TAN (despite not understanding exaclty what these functions DO!) bit of code I found, which created the illusion of the ball rapidly accelerating into the distance. I even managed to put a bit of X-axis curve onto the trajectory.

The problem is that the motion just 'doesn't look right', so I've decided to rewrite the code. I know that this effect has been done a thousand times before, by others (much better than I) and I was wondering if someone can help me out with the engine?

Conversion Kings (on http://www.sportal.co.za)

http://www.heinekencup.com/heineken_...asp?banner=YES

These both feature a similar engine to the one that is giving me problems, with the ball moving along a simulated Z-axis.

Is there a source file (here or elsewhere) that features such movement?

Would any of the pioneers who have previously developed such engines be prepared to donate their files or source, or cut and paste the 'important bits' so that I can make this work?

I've been trying for a week now to fix this, and I now think it's time ot call in the experts!

Many, many thanks in advance.

Lewis Boadle