If you took a Family Feud-style survey of which pro sports simulation video game series people would most want 2K to take a crack at that they're not already making, a resurrection of NFL 2K would easily be the number-one answer. However, pro golf might not even rank as the second or third choice (think MLB and NHL). Yet, 2K is stepping back onto the green with PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a couple of hours with it, there's much to appreciate.
Developer HB Studios has been refining its golf game for years, starting with The Golf Club a decade ago before partnering with 2K and rebranding to PGA Tour 2K in 2020. The team's experience and maturity are evident in PGA Tour 2K25. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game, and it would be great to have more real-life courses included (though 2K25 does feature the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), the gameplay is engaging. I did notice some choppy frame rates on PC when surveying each new hole, but overall, diving into this year's edition was enjoyable.
The upgraded EvoSwing mechanic is a standout feature. With several options available, I found the right stick method most comfortable when using a controller. You pull down to wind up and press forward to strike and follow through. You can adjust the difficulty to be forgiving or challenging; higher settings demand precision, where a slight miscalculation can result in a slice or hook. For a more relaxed experience, the Perfect Swing option is less punitive on missed inputs, allowing for smoother gameplay. Additionally, tapping LB lets you shape your shots for better control. HB Studios has also enhanced the ball physics, and the ability to move laterally in the tee box to adjust your shot adds strategic depth. Starting off as this year's cover athlete, Tiger Woods, certainly helped, given his prowess in the sport.
MyCareer mode has been enriched with narrative elements similar to those found in other sports games, adding an entertaining layer to the experience. I was offered a role in a movie with Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald, who is in the game but not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues. My choice to play a hero or villain influenced which MyCareer stats were boosted. Gear earned through VC also impacts your stats, and your skills can be upgraded by playing and winning. The addition of Quests, which are refreshed weekly or as needed, such as achieving 10 consecutive birdies, keeps the gameplay dynamic.
In the MyPlayer mode, while I didn't spend much time perfecting my avatar, even a brief stint with the player creator allowed me to get reasonably close to my likeness. The new skill trees are a welcome addition. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer options, which promise casual fun with ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (similar to groups or clubs). I fondly remember casual chats with friends while playing Links 2004 on the original Xbox, and PGA Tour 2K25 seems poised to recreate that experience and more. The inclusion of asynchronous multiplayer is a thoughtful touch for players in different time zones.
PGA Tour 2K25 is somewhat challenging to preview because it performs well across the board without any glaring flaws. This makes it less thrilling to discuss, but it's a solid choice for golf enthusiasts or those seeking a low-stress game. You can try it for yourself at no cost, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available starting today.
