7.5 /10 21

EA Sports PGA Tour marks a triumphant, if demanding, return for the publisher after an eight-year hiatus. Positioned as the “authentic” simulation alternative to 2K’s arcade-friendly offerings, it leverages the Frostbite engine to deliver the most visually arresting golf courses ever seen in a video game. As the only game featuring all four Majors—including the Masters at Augusta National—it offers an unparalleled sense of occasion. This review explores how the new “Pure Strike” gameplay mechanic transforms every swing into a calculated risk and why this game is strictly for those who want to master the true difficulty of professional golf.

How to Play EA Sports PGA Tour

Gameplay relies on the analog stick for swinging, emphasizing tempo and a straight swing path, with complex ball physics affecting every lie.

1. Controls – Uses the “Total Control” stick swing; pull back and push forward. No 3-click meter at launch (added later), making tempo critical.
2. Progression – RPG-style leveling where you earn XP to upgrade specific attributes like Power, Driving Accuracy, and Putting control.
3. Combat/Mechanics – The “Pure Strike” system uses ShotLink data to simulate realistic ball rollout. wind, elevation, and lie angle drastically alter shot shape.
4. Tips – Always account for wind *after* the bounce. Use the “Spinner” shot for tight pin positions, and don’t neglect your putting stats early on.

Who Should Play EA Sports PGA Tour

Designed for golf purists who watch Sunday broadcasts and understand the difference between a flop shot and a pitch.

• Player 1 – The simulation nut who wants 1:1 laser-scanned recreations of Augusta National and St Andrews.
• Player 2 – Career mode grinders who want to play a full 4-day tournament structure with realistic cuts.
• Player 3 – Visuals-first gamers who want to see every blade of grass rendered in 4K HDR.
• Skip if – You want a casual, pick-up-and-play arcade golf game or a course designer feature (it has none).

EA Sports PGA Tour Platform Performance

Initially launched with a controversial 30fps cap, updates have since added a smooth performance mode on current-gen consoles.

EA Sports PGA Tour System Requirements

The Frostbite engine is heavy; a solid mid-range PC is required to maintain 60fps at 1080p, with high-end cards needed for 4K.

Similar Games to EA Sports PGA Tour

The golf market is a duopoly, but niche titles exist for those who find EA’s approach too sterile or demanding.

• PGA Tour 2K23 – The direct rival; features a course designer and more accessible swing mechanics but worse graphics.
• The Golf Club 2019 – The spiritual predecessor to 2K; strict simulation with no attributes/leveling aids.
• WGT Golf – A top-tier free-to-play option that uses photo-realistic backgrounds but lacks 3D depth.
• Mario Golf: Super Rush – Completely arcade alternative for pure fun without the physics homework.

EA Sports PGA Tour vs Competitors

When stacked against 2K’s offering, EA wins on presentation and licensing but loses on customization and community tools.

EA Sports PGA Tour Story & World

Career Mode is the “story” here, guiding your created golfer from the amateur ranks (U.S. Amateur, Augusta National Women’s Amateur) to the Korn Ferry Tour, and finally the PGA Tour. There are no cutscenes or dramatic narratives; the world-building is in the broadcast presentation. Commentary teams, flyovers of iconic holes like the 17th at TPC Sawgrass, and the roar of the crowd create an immersive “Sunday at the Majors” atmosphere that feels authentic to the broadcast experience rather than a scripted movie.

EA Sports PGA Tour Multiplayer & Online

Online offerings have grown since launch, focusing on simultaneous play to keep the pace moving, though it lacks private lobbies at the same scale as 2K.

• Competitive – Simultaneous stroke play where you see opponents’ ball trails in real-time (up to 16 players).
• Tournaments – Daily and weekly global events with leaderboard rewards.
• Ryder Cup – Added post-launch, allowing team-based match play formats online.
• Cross-Play – Fully supported across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S for faster matchmaking.

EA Sports PGA Tour DLC & Expansions

EA has supported the game with free content drops rather than paid expansions, following the real-world golf calendar.

• Ryder Cup Update – Added Marco Simone course and team formats for free.
• Major Courses – New host venues (e.g., Los Angeles Country Club, Royal Liverpool) added seasonally.
• Pro Pass – A battle-pass system offering cosmetic items, clubs, and XP boosters.
• Free Updates – Added 60fps mode, 3-click swing, and turn-based match play options.

EA Sports PGA Tour Community & Support

The community is active but fragmented between those who love the physics and those who miss the course designer found in 2K.

• Official Forums – Primary place for patch notes and developer feedback.
• Reddit (r/EASportsPGATour) – Active discussion on daily tournament strategies and spec builds.
• Mod Support – Non-existent due to the Frostbite engine; no course creator tool is available.
• Updates – Regular seasonal updates coincide with major real-world golf tournaments.