If you conducted a Family Feud-style survey asking which professional sports simulation video game series fans would most like 2K to tackle next, a revival of NFL 2K would undoubtedly top the list. Even pro golf might not rank as the second or third choice (think MLB and NHL). Despite this, 2K is back with another installment, PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a couple of hours playing, 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. Their experience and refinement are evident in 2K25, where I found it challenging to pinpoint any significant flaws during my hands-on time. 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 framerate on PC was unexpectedly choppy when surveying new holes. However, diving into this year's offering was genuinely enjoyable.
The upgraded EvoSwing mechanic is a great starting point. With various options available, I found the right stick method most comfortable while using a controller. You pull down to wind up and press forward to strike and follow through. This can be adjusted to be forgiving or challenging, depending on your difficulty setting. A slight misdirection of the thumb could lead to a slice or hook on higher difficulties, while the lower settings (Perfect Swing) offer a more relaxed experience, being less punitive on missed inputs. Additionally, you can use LB to shape your shots, enhancing control over the ball's trajectory. HB Studios has also improved the ball physics, and the ability to move laterally in the tee box to adjust your shot, for instance, to avoid a tree, is a welcome feature. Playing as this year's cover athlete, Tiger Woods, certainly helped, given his renowned skill in the sport.
MyCareer mode has seen significant enhancements, 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 appears in the game, though not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues. The choices I made in the movie role impacted which MyCareer stats were boosted. Gear, earned by cashing in your VC, also affects your stats, while skills can be upgraded through playing and winning. The addition of Quests, which are broad goals that can be refreshed weekly or at any time, such as achieving 10 consecutive birdies, adds a fresh layer of engagement.
In MyPlayer mode, while I didn't spend my entire demo session perfecting my avatar, a few minutes of tinkering got me close enough. The addition of skill trees is a notable upgrade. Unfortunately, I couldn't test the multiplayer options, which include casual fun with ranked matchmaking and cross-platform Societies, reminiscent of 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 recapture and enhance that experience. The inclusion of asynchronous multiplayer options is also a thoughtful touch for those with friends in different time zones.
PGA Tour 2K25 is somewhat challenging to preview because it performs well across the board without any major shortcomings. While this makes it difficult to get overly excited, it does make it a solid choice for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a low-stress gaming experience. Fortunately, you can try it out for free, as a playable demo of PGA Tour 2K25 is available now.
