PGA Tour 2K25: Ultimate Preview Revealed

If you were to conduct a Family Feud-style survey on which pro sports simulation video game series fans would most want 2K to tackle that they're not currently making, a revival of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Yet, despite pro golf possibly not ranking as the second or third choice (think MLB and NHL), 2K is gearing up for another swing with PGA Tour 2K25. After spending a couple of hours with the game, there's plenty 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 dedication and experience are evident in PGA Tour 2K25. While it may not boast the best graphics in sports gaming and could benefit from more real-life courses (though it does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), the gameplay itself is engaging. I did notice some choppy framerates on PC when surveying new holes, but diving into this year's game was genuinely fun.

The upgraded EvoSwing mechanic is a highlight. With various options available, I found the right stick method most comfortable when using a controller—pull down to wind up and press forward to strike and follow through. You can adjust the difficulty to be forgiving or challenging, where a slight miscalculation could result in a slice or hook. For a more relaxed experience, there's the Perfect Swing setting, which is less punishing on missed inputs. You can also shape your shots with LB for added control. HB Studios claims improved ball physics, and the ability to adjust your position laterally on the tee box adds a strategic layer, especially when navigating around obstacles like trees. Starting off playing as Tiger Woods, this year's cover athlete, certainly helped, given his prowess in the sport.

I was offered a role in a movie with Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald—who, yes, is in the game, though not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing restrictions. The MyCareer mode has been enhanced with narrative elements similar to those found in other sports games, adding an entertaining twist. In my scenario, I could choose to play a hero or villain, impacting which MyCareer stats would improve. Gear, earned by cashing in VC, also influences your stats, and skills can be upgraded by playing and winning. The developers have introduced Quests, which are overarching goals that can be refreshed weekly or at their discretion, such as achieving 10 consecutive birdies.

In MyPlayer mode, while I didn't spend much time creating a detailed avatar, a quick session with the player creator got me close enough. The addition of skill trees is a welcome upgrade. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer features, which promise casual fun with ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies (akin to groups or clubs). These remind me of the enjoyable times spent with friends on Links 2004 for the original Xbox, and PGA Tour 2K25 seems poised to offer that and more. The game also supports asynchronous multiplayer, perfect for those with friends in different time zones.

Previewing PGA Tour 2K25 can be challenging because it performs competently across the board without any major flaws. While this makes it hard to get overly excited, it's still a solid choice for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a stress-free gaming experience. Fortunately, you can try it out for free, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available now.