If you were to conduct a Family Feud-style survey asking which pro sports simulation video game series fans would most want 2K to tackle that they're not already making, 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 with PGA Tour 2K25, and after spending a couple of hours with it, 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. Their experience and maturity are evident in PGA Tour 2K25, as I found it hard to pinpoint any major flaws during my hands-on session. While it may not be the most visually stunning sports game, and it would be great to have more real-life courses (though 2K25 does include the PGA Championship, US Open, and the Open Championship), I did notice some choppy framerates on PC when surveying new holes. However, diving into this year's game was genuinely enjoyable.
The upgraded EvoSwing mechanic is a highlight. With various 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 misdirection can result in a slice or hook. For a more relaxed experience, the lower difficulty settings (Perfect Swing) are less punishing on missed inputs, allowing you to progress smoothly. Additionally, tapping LB lets you shape your shots, offering more control over the ball's trajectory. HB Studios claims to have improved the ball physics, and the ability to adjust your position laterally in the tee box to navigate obstacles like trees adds a strategic layer. Starting my session as Tiger Woods, this year's cover athlete, certainly helped, given his renowned prowess in the sport.
MyCareer mode has also seen enhancements, incorporating narrative elements similar to those found in other sports games, which add an entertaining twist. I was offered a role in a movie with Christopher "Shooter McGavin" McDonald – who appears in the game, though not as his iconic Happy Gilmore character due to licensing issues – where I could choose to be a hero or villain, impacting which MyCareer stats would be boosted. Gear earned through VC also affects your stats, and your skills can be upgraded by playing and winning. The developers have introduced Quests, which are broad objectives that can be refreshed weekly or as needed, such as achieving 10 consecutive birdies.
In MyPlayer mode, while I didn't spend my entire demo recreating myself, even a brief session with the player creator allowed me to get reasonably close to my likeness. 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 while playing Links 2004 on the original Xbox, and PGA Tour 2K25 seems poised to recreate and expand on that experience. The inclusion of asynchronous multiplayer options is 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 glaring weaknesses. This makes it hard to get overly excited about, but it's 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 starting today.
