'PGA Tour 2K25' review: Latest edition of golf video game series delivers on many levels

PGA Tour 2K25 is the latest edition of the PGA Tour 2K series that always gives fans an entertaining experience. And because of that, 2K didn’t make a left turn with PGA Tour 2K25, but the game has some big changes that take a player’s golf experience to new heights.

To be clear, I’m not a golf expert. In fact, the last (and only) time I used golf clubs for golf was 20 years ago at a driving range. But playing PGA Tour 2K25 made me feel like I could be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in the near future.

When it comes to the gameplay, there are three ways to swing the club, but the most popular and efficent way is using the the right stick as it gives you the most control. 2K added the EvoSwing mechanics and Perfect Swing which reduces the material impact of external factors on a player’s swing. What I like most about using the right stick to swing is the timing it makes it easy for inexperienced players to master the swing and have success quickly.

‘PGA Tour 2K25’ features an extensive MyCareer mode

When you start the game, you have the opportunity to create a player that can be used for multiple game features. A big part of creating a player is the archetypes as there are five to choose from — Powerhouse, Technician, Magician, Greenskeeper and Sculptor. I’m a fan of creating a player in sports video games, and PGA Tour 2K25 does not disappoint with this feature as you can customize your player a lot more than what you could do in previous editions.

And that leads to my favorite part of the game, and that’s MyCareer. You can either start your career on the PGA Tour or in the Korn Ferry Tour, which is the PGA’s developmental tour. A big thing 2K25 added to this is Dynamic Rounds which means you will play only a section of the course to get through the tournament quicker. I love this because you get to play the round but don’t have to spend a lot of time playing all 18 holes.

While I enjoyed using my player in PGA Tour 2K25, you can use some of the top pro golfers in the world such as Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Justin Thomas, Rose Zhang, Brooke Henderson and Chris McDonald who is better known as Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore (and the upcoming movie Happy Gilmore 2). Playing with Tiger is fun, but I might spend some time getting Shooter to be a PGA Tour champion again.

Topgolf mode makes its return to ‘2K25’

The PGA Tour 2K series has been consistent with is design of official courses, and this year’s addition is no different. There are 27 official courses to choose from, and all are accurate to what you see in person or on TV. Additionally, you can make your own golf course as the Course Designer is back. I’m currently working on a snowy golf course and can’t wait to play on it consistently.

Another part of the game is back is Topgolf. This is very enjoyable as players hit 10-20 balls into a series targets of different sizes and distances while earning points along the way just like at the actual Topgolf establishments. I played this mode solo, but having friends playing against each other makes it more enjoyable.

Many aspects of PGA Tour 2K25 make it one of the top sports games of the year. From its extensive MyCareer mode to its new (and updated) courses, the golf video game is an enjoyable experience for golf pros, amateurs and novices. I may never be a real-life golf champ, but PGA Tour 2K25 allows me to be a legend on the golf course.

PGA Tour 2K25 will be relased on Feb. 28 for PC, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S with early access beginning on Feb. 21.