If you conducted a Family Feud-style survey asking which pro sports simulation video game series people would most want 2K to tackle that they're not currently producing, a revival of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Even pro golf might not rank as the second or third choice (consider MLB and NHL). Yet, 2K is back for another swing at it with PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a few hours with the game, there's plenty to appreciate.
Developer HB Studios has been refining its golf game for quite some time, starting with The Golf Club a decade ago before transitioning to PGA Tour 2K in 2020. The team's expertise and polish are evident in 2K25, where I struggled to find any major flaws during my hands-on session. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game, and more real-life courses would be a welcome addition (2K25 includes the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), I did notice a surprisingly choppy framerate on PC when surveying new holes. Nonetheless, diving into this year's offering was genuinely enjoyable.
The experience begins with the upgraded EvoSwing mechanic, which offers various options. Using a controller, I found the right stick method most comfortable, where you pull down to wind up and push forward to strike and follow through. This can be set to be forgiving or challenging, with higher difficulty settings that might result in a slice or hook if you make a slight mistake. On the other hand, lower difficulty settings (Perfect Swing) cater to those seeking a more relaxed experience, minimizing penalties for missed inputs to keep the game flowing. Additionally, you can use LB to shape your shots for more control over the ball's trajectory. HB Studios claims the ball physics have been enhanced, and the ability to adjust your position laterally in the tee box to navigate obstacles like trees adds to the realism. Starting my session as Tiger Woods, this year's cover athlete, certainly helped given his renowned prowess in golf.
MyCareer mode has also received an upgrade, incorporating narrative elements seen in other sports games to engaging effect. I was offered a role in a movie alongside Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald, who is featured in the game, albeit not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues. My choice to play as a hero or villain influenced which MyCareer stats were boosted. Gear, earned by spending your virtual currency (VC), also impacts your stats, while your skills can be upgraded through playing and winning. The developers have introduced Quests, which are overarching goals that can be refreshed weekly or as needed, such as achieving 10 consecutive birdies.
Regarding MyPlayer, I didn't dedicate my entire demo to creating a perfect avatar, but even a brief exploration of the player creator got me close enough. The addition of skill trees is a welcome enhancement. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer features, which promise casual fun with ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (similar to groups or clubs). I fondly remember chatting with friends in Links 2004 on the original Xbox, and PGA Tour 2K25 seems poised to recapture that experience and more. It's also great to see asynchronous multiplayer options for those with friends in different time zones.
PGA Tour 2K25 is challenging to preview because it performs well across the board without any glaring issues. While this makes it hard to get overly excited, it appears to be a safe choice for golf enthusiasts or those seeking a low-stress game. Thankfully, you can try it for yourself at no cost, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available starting today.
