PGA Tour 2K25 is the latest golfing title on the market. As an avid golfer and gamer, I’ve spent countless hours on the virtual links. From nostalgic sessions with PGA Tour Golf on my Mega Drive to the latest iterations on modern consoles, I’ve witnessed the evolution of golf games firsthand. With a legacy spanning multiple generations and platforms, it’s natural to wonder: how much has really changed? After all, the world’s most famous courses remain largely the same, and the fundamental rules of golf are consistent.

In theory, golf simulations should technically lean towards a uniform experience, regardless of who developed it, especially since the advent of 3D graphics. So, what sets PGA Tour 2K25 apart from its predecessors? Is it a revolutionary leap forward, or more of the same?

In relation to this genre, on-course gameplay has become increasingly standardised, so a well-designed UI can make all the difference in getting you onto the virtual green quickly and effortlessly. Unfortunately, PGA Tour 2K25’s UI falls short in some areas. The character creation process, for instance, feels a bit clunky and hasn’t evolved much over the years. I found the menu navigation to be slightly jarring, with noticeable pauses between screens.

These minor annoyances add up, particularly when transitioning between the main career page and other sections, or when accessing the character area to purchase items or upgrade equipment. Compared to competitor offerings, to me, PGA Tour 2K25’s UI feels somewhat rough around the edges. Smoother menu transitions and reduced loading times would have greatly enhanced the overall experience. As it stands, these minor frustrations detract from the game’s overall polish.

Visually, PGA Tour 2K25 is a treat, with meticulously crafted courses that transport you to the world’s most iconic golfing destinations. Pebble Beach, in particular, is a stunning showcase of the game’s graphical prowess. However, I noticed that some courses received more attention than others, resulting in a slight inconsistency in visual quality.

Compared to competitor golf series, I didn’t notice a significant leap in graphics. In fact, I felt that some other series had a more varied and dynamic weather system, as well as a more vibrant colour palette overall. It felt like there was a bit of a lack of distinct weather conditions and time-of-day effects in PGA Tour 2K25 which made the game feel slightly less immersive.

Understanding the subtleties of each hole, including the best landing spots, green speeds, and putting strategies, is essential for success. While the RPG elements might add a layer of complexity, they can’t replace the fundamental skills and knowledge required to excel in golf. For me, the career mode in PGA Tour 2K25 is the main event. While I used to diligently play all four rounds of each tournament, I’ve since opted for a more streamlined approach, setting it to two rounds to allow for a more varied experience.

Thankfully, the game accommodates this flexibility, permitting tweaks to the career mode to suit individual preferences. The career mode cycle is fairly standard: each tournament stop offers optional practice sessions, which I tended to skip given my familiarity with the courses. However, these sessions may prove beneficial for less experienced players. Between rounds, I engaged in media interviews and brand-building activities, a pleasant diversion that adds a touch of realism to the experience.

I couldn’t help but feel that the emphasis on social engagement and followers is a tad forced. In today’s digital age, it’s understandable that games would incorporate these elements, but it feels somewhat superficial. The notion that more followers equates to success, while fewer necessitates a behaviour adjustment, strikes me as overly simplistic. Additionally, negotiating and changing sponsors feels somewhat inconsequential. Despite warnings about potential reputation losses, I didn’t notice any tangible impact. I had expected that sponsorships would yield benefits, such as exclusive gear or attire, but alas, this wasn’t the case.

Ultimately, I found that the core gameplay experience in PGA Tour 2K25 was more than sufficient to deliver an enjoyable and challenging round of golf. Despite the various add-ons and skill trees, my base character proved capable of consistently hitting solid shots, scoring birdies and eagles, and even achieving a thrilling hole-in-one. While I can appreciate the appeal of levelling up and unlocking new abilities, I didn’t feel compelled to delve into the RPG elements. The computer opponents provided a suitable challenge, and I was able to hold my own without relying on upgraded skills. As a real-life golfer, I simply enjoy the experience of playing golf, and PGA Tour 2K25 delivers on that front.

The fact that you can succeed without going too deep into the RPG systems on offer is a testament to the game’s accessibility and the fact that, at its core, golf is a sport that’s more about finesse and strategy than about levelling up or unlocking special abilities. I found the skill point allocation system to be somewhat convoluted, relying on a dual-currency setup. Whilst it appeared I had skill points to assign, I was surprised to discover that each allocation came with a cost.

If the cost exceeded my in-game credits, I was prompted to visit the store and purchase the required amount using real money. I strongly disagree with this approach, as it feels exploitative to require real-world purchases to enhance a virtual golfer’s stats.

In terms of presentation, PGA Tour 2K25’s TV-style broadcast is serviceable, but not exceptional. I’ve experienced more impressive presentations in competitor golf series, which set a high standard for authenticity and immersion. On the other hand, the commentary in PGA Tour 2K25 is very listenable, with minimal repetition during my playthrough. However, I suspect that playing longer, four-round tournaments might reveal more repetition in the commentary.