2K was kind enough to hook me up with an advanced copy of PGA Tour 2K25 for the PlayStation 5 for the purposes of this review.
PGA Tour 2K25 introduces new swing mechanics, additional courses and championships and revamped graphics for a much-improved experience from last year's outing.
EvoSwing brings a new sense of realism to the game. I mean that in both good ways and bad. Just like when I golf in real life, I'm not very good. However, when you've lined up the shot just right and executed with perfect timing, there's nothing better.
EvoSwing essentially takes the way your preferred input settings and then creates a rhythm. It breaks your swing down into four parts: contact, rhythm, transition and swing path. The system provides in-depth feedback, so you'll never be left wondering why a shot went awry.
Combine this system with more than two dozen different shot types and new physics... and you've got the most realistic golf sim ever made.
And whether you're playing like peak Tiger Woods (who once again graces the cover), driving greens and knocking down 20 ft. putts, or you're playing like me and constantly trying to recover from the footpath or the trees or the water, the game is going to look beautiful.
The lighting is sharper and more crisp, the environment really come to life (particularly water) and the presentation is leagues above 2K24.
And you'll notice those upgraded graphics on 27 official courses:
- Atlantic Beach Country Club
- The Bay Hill Club and Lodge
- Copperhead Course
- Detroit Golf Club
- East Lake Golf Club
- Oakmont Country Club
- Payne's Valley
- Pebble Beach
- Pinehurst Resort and Country Club
- Quail Hollow Club
- The Riviera Country Club
- Royal Portrush Golf Club
- Spyglass Hill
- St. George Golf and Country Club
- Top of the Rock
- Torrey Pines
- TPC Boston
- TPC Deere Run
- TPC Louisiana
- TPC River Highlands
- TPC San Antonio
- TPC Sawgrass
- TPC Scottsdale
- TPC Southwind
- TPC Summerlin
- TPC Twin Cities
You'll notice that Oakmont Country Club, Quail Hollow Club and Royal Portrush Golf Club are all included. That's because 2K25 introduces the U.S. Open, PGA Championship and the Open Championship.
There are plenty of real-life golfers to use on these iconic courses, too. At launch, 2K25 will include 11 professionals, with more being added in periodic updates during the year.
- Tiger Woods
- Max Homa
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Brooke Henderson
- Collin Morikawa
- Justin Thomas
- Lydia Ko
- Rose Zhang
- Tom Kim
- Tony Finau
- Will Zalatoris
There's a greater focus on MyPlayer and MyCareer in 2K25, allowing players to not just take care of business on the course, but off the course as well. A new interview system allows players to show some of their personality as they complete a story-driven career mode.
While playing through MyCareer, you can level up your player and your clubs, adding fittings for stats boosts. This part of the game does feel a bit pay to win, admittedly. That's obviously not something I'm too crazy about, but that's kind of where the gaming industry is at right now.
Overall, PGA 2K25 is an improvement over 2K24 in almost every way. Graphically, this is the best-looking golf game on the market. The EvoSwing mechanics are an excellent addition that a lot of players are going to have a really good time with. The roster is small, but more golfers have been promised. The most glaring issue I have that upgrading your character seems less about playing the game and grinding it out and more about
For golf gamers, I think this is hands down the best title on the market. It's beautiful, it plays great and it has way deeper customization than its predecessor. An excellent pickup by all means.
PGA Tour 2K25's early access begins on Feb. 21. The game's full launch is on Feb. 28.