PGA Tour 2K25: A Decade’s Best Golf Game Tarnished by Sneaky Tactics and Greed

I have always had a fondness for digital golf. I’m talking serious love here—so much so that a classic Golden Tee arcade machine graces my home. As a teenager, I often sought solace in the EA Tiger Woods games, which were my go-to for relaxation. Nowadays, though I have a set of real golf clubs gathering dust in the garage, the busyness of life makes finding time for a real game tricky. So, the allure of a great golf game to fill that void is strong.

When I saw PGA Tour 2K25 hit the shelves, I thought it might just be the perfect fit for my gaming lineup. My past experiences with 2K’s golf simulators left a positive impression, so I opted for it over EA’s latest version, eager to see the enhancements made over the years. With a sense of excitement, I booted up Steam and splurged on the Premium Edition for early access. Those first moments were pure joy.

This version, compared to my somewhat hazy memory of the 2021 installment, shows clear improvements. It’s more polished, intuitive, and visually appealing. The assists feature is a standout, reminiscent of aids in racing games like Forza Motorsport—striking a fine balance between precise simulation and fast-paced arcade enjoyment.

In essence, engaging in a game that closely channels the charm of those classic PS2 EA Tiger Woods titles rewards your custom player with complete experience points every round. Tweaking the settings to disable certain features can even boost your EXP, offering an enticing challenge.

The comparison to a racing game makes sense here. In Forza, I’m skilled enough to ditch the racing line for an EXP boost. Likewise, in PGA Tour 2K25, I cut out aids for crosswinds and mallet corrections, though my putting game, frankly, could use all the help it can get.

Adjusting these settings had me racking up 120% of the standard EXP—more seasoned players will certainly net even higher gains.

The role of EXP is crucial as it unlocks rewards, boosts your player level, and provides the in-game currency essential for new gear. While the game’s ease with some assistance turned on is a draw, there’s always the option to ramp up the difficulty for a more demanding and authentic experience.

The career mode is another treat, allowing you to bypass playing every single hole—default settings let you pick a few key holes while the AI simulates the others, taking the pressure off. Yet if you’re the thorough type, completing each hole yourself is just a menu toggle away. Beyond the greens, there are training mini-games, press conferences, rivalries, and more to keep your interest piqued.

This blend of simulation and fun is why I adored older golf games—they capture the spirit of a sport that’s inherently accessible. Golf in the real world might be as simple as borrowing clubs from friends or buying second-hand ones for a game. But in virtual golf, the thrill lies in simulating a career and sipping on the sport’s relaxing aspect rather than its potentially stressful challenges—that’s how it translates for me anyway.

However, there’s a dark cloud over this otherwise sunny game. While its blend of casual and hardcore gameplay shines, there’s a disconcerting element woven into PGA 2K25—a troubling microtransaction system amplified by its initial post-launch update.

Your ‘myPLAYER’, the star of your unique golfing journey, develops through currency either earned in-game or purchased. Fancy new clubs? You’ll need VC. Stylish outfits or skill upgrades? Also, VC required!

While internal currency isn’t unusual in games, with many relying on similar systems for progress, what’s frustrating here is how 2K has perhaps overextended.

During the game’s early access, a fair amount of VC could be earned. But post-launch, a stealthy update significantly reduced this rate, leaving players disgruntled.

Reddit users quickly noticed that leveling to 99, already no small task at 92 hours, now leaped to a daunting 214 hours. In fact, the cost of leveling up or buying necessary equipment skyrocketed by 60%. At launch, 2K moved swiftly to ensure progression slowed just enough to encourage more purchases, an act akin to diving into the chocolate river at Willy Wonka’s factory.

Although not deeply entrenched in the PGA 2K community, I noticed the disparity in my earnings, which led me to Reddit and the subsequent discovery of an unsavory truth. Steam reviews too have taken a nosedive, echoing sentiments of “greedy” and “predatory” practices. Honestly? I think “disgusting” sums it up well.

Initially, I was completely captivated by PGA Tour 2K25. However, this unfortunate cash-grab strategy really dampened my enthusiasm. While earlier I found the slow menu navigation and tedious pop-ups mildly annoying, the exploitative monetization overshadows these minor issues. It feels like a bait-and-switch tactic more suited to a free-to-play mobile game than a premium console release, where your online standing demands an exhausting time investment—or a deeper financial one.

Frankly, such shenanigans might be justified in a free-to-play model but not here. Many have shelled out substantial sums for this game, with even the standard edition commanding a hefty price. In truth, it’s a bit of a farce that severely tarnishes what could have been a lovely return to golf video games; possibly the best I’ve experienced in the past decade. But much like my ill-fated streak of missed putts leading to a double bogey, 2K crafted something special only to squander it at the last moment. A real shame, indeed.