Sports games are a funny thing to preview or review, especially yearly release titles like MLB The Show, Madden, EA Sports FC, etc.; there’s only so much a development team can do in a given year to improve on the previous year’s title. The team at HB Studios have done just that with PGA TOUR 2K25, and I was able to spend a couple of hours playing a build of the game at the Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA Tour event.
The character creator has been given a noticeable upgrade in PGA TOUR 2K25 in terms of the level of customization available. There are far more options to choose from when creating your very own player, ranging from eyes, ears, cheeks, and more. As well, players can choose one of many preset options in those categories and then use the sliders to influence each area to their liking. On top of all that, players can now create multiple characters to suit their liking, each of them as individual as the players themselves.
One of my favourite additions to PGA TOUR 2K25 is called Perfect Swing. It is a very easy-to-use and forgiving swing stick that takes into account all of the external factors surrounding the golf swing, like wind, and incorporates that into the swing. Even on the higher swing difficulty levels, I was extremely pleased to find that I could execute the perfect swing path, contact and rhythm to hit the ball accurately.
“One of my favourite additions to PGA TOUR 2K25 is called Perfect Swing.”
EvoSwing is an all-new swing mechanic that really drives up the realism factor for both the Swing Stick and the 3-Click Swing. EvoSwing is a great feature that makes use of the player’s natural rhythm and timing to give the most realistic simulation of swinging a golf club.
In terms of gameplay, everything in PGA TOUR 2K25 was smooth and effortless. In PGA Tour 2K23, one of my main gripes was with the Swing Stick—it was very difficult to replicate a shot even when I performed the exact same inputs. In PGA TOUR 2K25, however, shot-replication was as easy as you like, because of how smooth the inputs were and not reliant upon me being inch-perfect every time.
While I say that shot replication is easier this time around, PGA TOUR 2K25 can also punish you if you are too far off the ideal swing. With Swing Stick, if you don’t bring the stick back and forth in as straight a line as you can, then the resulting shot may end up being worse for the mistake. For example, if you bring the stick forward too far away from the centre, then you may end up with a clubface that is too open or closed at impact, resulting in the shot going too far right or left.
“PGA TOUR 2K25 has staked its claim as the best golf simulation game on the market, and they may just get there if what I saw during my time with it is any indication.”
Visually, PGA TOUR 2K25 is stunning. A lot of care has been taken to make sure that the environments are as true to life as the can get, and everything just looks better than its predecessor. Player models look very realistic as well. HB Studios has made a great case for taking a gap year between yearly sports titles if this is what we can expect.
MyCareer gets a significant update in PGA TOUR 2K25 in the form of playing at your own speed. Players can now determine the length of the round they want to play using either Dynamic Rounds or Interactive Simulation. The biggest difference between the two is that Dynamic Rounds allows the player to play a small section of the course to get through the round quicker, while Interactive Simulation lets the player pick up the round at whatever point they want to choose what holes they want to play in that particular round.
“PGA TOUR 2K25 is stunning.”
The MyPlayer mode has received significant updates as well, with an all-new Attributes Point system, an all-new Equipment Progression system and new skill trees as well. Cosmetic items from top manufacturers like Adidas, Malbon Golf, and more allow the player to outfit their character however they choose.
PGA TOUR 2K25 will feature all of the Major Championships and their courses this year, apart from The Masters. At launch, the game will feature 27 licensed courses, including the ever-popular TPC Scottsdale with its iconic 16th-hole grandstands. In Season 2, PGA TOUR 2K25 will be releasing The Old Course at St. Andrews as a playable course.
There is a lot to be excited about when it comes to PGA TOUR 2K25, with a lot of content available at launch. PGA TOUR 2K25 has staked its claim as the best golf simulation game on the market, and they may just get there if what I saw during my time with it is any indication. Golf has never looked this good.
