PGA Tour 2K25: Ultimate Preview Revealed

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 most desired (hello, MLB and NHL). Despite this, 2K is set to release PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a couple of hours with the game, there's a lot to appreciate.

Developer HB Studios has been perfecting its golf game for quite some time, starting with The Golf Club a decade ago before partnering with 2K and rebranding to PGA Tour 2K in 2020. Their experience is evident in PGA Tour 2K25, where I found few, if any, significant flaws during my hands-on session. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game, and it would be nice to have more real-life courses (though 2K25 does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), the gameplay itself is enjoyable. I did notice some unexpectedly choppy framerates on PC when surveying new holes, but diving into the game was still a lot of fun.

The upgraded EvoSwing mechanic is a highlight. With several options available, I found the right stick method most comfortable while using a controller. This involves pulling down to wind up and pushing forward to strike and follow through. You can set the difficulty to be forgiving or challenging; on higher settings, a slight misjudgment can result in a slice or hook, whereas the lower difficulty settings, like Perfect Swing, are more forgiving, allowing for a relaxed and stress-free experience. Additionally, you can use LB to shape your shots for better control. HB Studios claims to have improved the ball physics, and the ability to adjust your position laterally in the tee box to avoid obstacles like trees adds a nice touch. Starting as Tiger Woods, the cover athlete, certainly helped, given his renowned skill in the sport.

MyCareer mode has also seen significant enhancements, incorporating narrative elements similar to those found in other sports games. I was offered a role in a movie alongside Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald, who appears in the game but not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues. The choice between playing a hero or villain impacts which MyCareer stats get boosted. Gear obtained by spending earned VC also influences your stats, while skills can be upgraded by playing and winning. The introduction of Quests, which can be refreshed weekly or at any time, adds another layer of engagement, such as the challenge of achieving 10 consecutive birdies.

Regarding MyPlayer, I didn't spend much time trying to create a perfect likeness of myself, but even a brief session with the player creator allowed me to get reasonably close. The addition of skill trees is a welcome feature. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer options, which include ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (akin to groups or clubs). I fondly remember chatting with friends in Links 2004 on the original Xbox, and PGA Tour 2K25 promises to recreate and perhaps even surpass those experiences. The inclusion of asynchronous multiplayer options is a great addition for those with friends in different time zones.

PGA Tour 2K25 is somewhat challenging to preview because it excels in many areas without any glaring weaknesses. This makes it hard to get overly excited about, but it remains a solid choice for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a low-stress gaming experience. Thankfully, you can try it out for free, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available now.