PGA Tour 2K25 Review: A Big Step Forward for Virtual Golf
PGA Tour 2K25 offers stunning visuals, customizable gameplay, and realistic golf mechanics for an immersive experience.
Even though I’ve always loved sports, golf has never been my strong suit. No matter how hard I try, I just can’t get the swing right in real life. But PGA Tour 2K25 lets me live out my golfing dreams in a way that feels real and satisfying. Its deep simulation gameplay lets my brain and thumbs do what my body can’t.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. PGA Tour 2K23 had its moments but didn’t stand out much in terms of gameplay or style. And with two years between releases, I was cautiously optimistic about 2K25.
Thankfully, that extra time was well spent. PGA Tour 2K25 feels like a real upgrade. The visuals are much better, with smoother animations, detailed courses, and player models that look more like the pros. While it still doesn’t quite match EA’s PGA Tour in terms of pure graphics, the gap has definitely closed.
Playing on PlayStation 5, everything looked sharp and ran smoothly. I only noticed frame drops during internet issues, since Career Mode is always online. But overall, the performance was solid, and the game impressed me from the start.
PGA Tour 2K25: Stunning Visuals That Make You Stop and Look
One downside to PGA Tour 2K25 is the commentary by Luke Elvy and Rich Beem. While they’re knowledgeable, their delivery feels flat and robotic. Golf might not be the most exciting sport, but the commentary could use a little more energy.
They also seem to be overly harsh on me. If I don’t get a birdie or make it on the green in two shots, Rich Beem sounds like he’s scolding me. Thankfully, after years of tuning out FIFA commentary, I didn’t let it bother me too much.
On the bright side, PGA Tour 2K25 makes big improvements where fans wanted them most. A standout feature is the ability to adjust tee positions and choose your hazard drop spot, making the game feel more in control and less frustrating. These small changes, like being able to move the ball after a water hazard, really enhance the experience.
Another great update is the RPG-style MyPlayer system. You can now unlock specific shots as you progress, making your character’s growth more personalized. I went with a Powerhouse archetype, focusing on driving the ball down the fairway.
The new EvoSwing mechanics are also a highlight. This improved swing system helps you focus on posture and technique, with detailed feedback on your shot’s quality. You can also choose between the classic Swing Stick or 3-Click Swing, depending on your skill level.
PGA Tour 2K25: 3-Click Swing, Smart Practice, and Career Mode Changes
PGA Tour 2K25 gives players two main swing options: the Swing Stick and the 3-Click Swing. The Swing Stick is straightforward—just pull the right stick back and release. It’s easy to learn but still requires good timing and alignment for accurate shots.
The 3-Click Swing, on the other hand, is harder to master. It involves pressing, holding, and clicking at just the right moments to control direction and power. As a long-time golf game fan, I personally love it for the added precision it brings. After scoring 30 under par across four days, I felt ready to take on the PGA Tour.
Just like in real life, the goal in Career Mode is to earn points in tournaments and finish in the Top 70 to qualify for the FedExCup. But unlike previous games, PGA Tour 2K25 adds training and scouting scenarios before each tournament. These include fun minigames like long putt challenges or landing on the green fastest. Completing them gives your player small stat boosts for the upcoming event.
At first, I didn’t think much of these activities. But as the difficulty increased, I realized even a small boost in driving power could help me avoid sand traps and hit better shots. The Practice Rounds are another great feature—playing a course before the real event helps you learn its layout, just like the pros do. It adds a real sense of strategy.
However, not every new feature works well. PGA Tour 2K25 introduces personality and popularity systems in MyCareer, similar to what we’ve seen in Madden and EA Sports FC. Your golfer can interact with fans and answer questions to shape their public image. While this could have added more depth, it feels unpolished. These text-only conversations don’t affect gameplay, so they feel unnecessary.
The real way to grow in MyCareer is simple: play well. Winning tournaments and earning sponsorships is based on your performance, not personality. And early on, it’s a bit too easy. With the default settings, I was dominating tournaments, beating top players like Viktor Hovland by 13 strokes per round.
PGA Tour 2K25: Dynamic MyCareer and Online Modes
The Dynamic option in PGA Tour 2K25 is a standout feature in MyCareer. It allows you to choose which holes to play in a round, simulating the ones you skip. While I usually enjoy playing a full 18 holes, this feature lets you shorten some rounds when you’re pressed for time, making it a nice addition.
I also experimented with the customizable sliders, which let you adjust everything from CPU difficulty to weather and green conditions. It took some time to find the right balance for difficulty, as the AI’s performance felt inconsistent. However, once I randomized the weather and course conditions, the playing field evened out, and scores became closer.
Microtransactions are still present in PGA Tour 2K25 but are mostly cosmetic. You can buy flashy outfits and stat boosts with real money, but you’ll also earn upgrades and new gear by playing tournaments. This system is less intrusive than the microtransaction-heavy approach seen in other 2K games, making online play enjoyable without pay-to-win concerns.
The game’s online modes return with seven options, including my favorite: four-ball. This mode is fast-paced, competitive, and perfect for playing with friends, as it mirrors real-life golf competitions. You can also choose between Swing Stick and 3-Click Swing lobbies, along with adjusting gameplay features to suit your group’s preferences.
A big plus is that Societies mode now supports crossplay, so you and your friends can compete in asynchronous events, regardless of platform.
PGA Tour 2K25: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 🎮 Great graphics and smooth animations. | 🎤 Commentary feels flat and boring. |
| 🏌️♂️ Customizable MyCareer mode. | 🎭 Personality system doesn’t affect gameplay. |
| 🎯 Two swing options for better control. | 🌐 Connectivity issues can cause frame drops. |
| ⏱️ Dynamic rounds to save time. | 💸 Microtransactions are still present. |
| 🏆 Training mode helps improve skills. | ⚔️ Too easy to win in early stages. |
| 🌍 Crossplay for multiplayer. | ⚙️ Difficulty settings can feel unbalanced. |
Conclusion- PGA Tour 2K25 Review: Realistic Gameplay and Improvements
With major updates to both gameplay and visuals, PGA Tour 2K25 feels like a fresh experience compared to its predecessor. The new swing mechanics and enhanced graphics create a more realistic atmosphere, despite the dull commentary. The customizable MyCareer mode is a standout feature, offering an enjoyable experience, though it includes a basic personality system, occasional connectivity issues, and microtransactions. While PGA Tour 2K25 still trails behind EA Sports PGA Tour as the top golf simulator, it’s heading in the right direction and may catch up in future updates.
