The Golf Club 2019 featuring PGA Tour originally released on August 28 for PS4, Xbox One and PC, but that was just the digital version. On November 13, the physical title hit retailers.
I didn't get an opportunity to cover the original release, but with this being the only golf simulation available on consoles, this is a good time to look deeper into this 2K Games published and HB Studios developed title. This is not a review, but it is designed to give you a briefing on what to expect if you play the game.
Let's look at the 10 things you should know about The Golf Club 2019 featuring The PGA Tour.
The Only Game Officially Licensed By The PGA
With the old Tiger Woods and PGA Tour series from EA out of whack, 2K Sports swooped in to partner with HB Studios to publish TGC 2019. It also inked the deal with the PGA.
What PGA Courses Are Included?
The game includes six real-life courses (Summerlin, Scottsdale, Sawgrass, Southwind, Deere Run, and Boston. 2K Sports promises more will come via DLC. In fact, Atlantic Beach Country Club was already released on October 4. That course should immediately be available for those who purchase the physical copy.
What Has Been Done With the Career Mode?
This is another area where the PGA license will be felt. There is an "all-new officially licensed PGA Tour Career mode." During your career, which begins in the Web.Com Tour, you can play the courses listed above.
Are There Any Official PGA Tour Events?
During the career mode, you can play some PGA Tour events like Shriners Hospital for Children Open, the John Deere Classic and more. It doesn't appear as though any of the majors are included.
Are There Any New Game Modes?
This year's game now has Skins matches and Alt Shot. You can play head-to-head or 3-4 players Skins games with points or virtual currency on the line. In Alt-shot, you team up with a friend and try to beat the scores of other tandems or the course as you alternate shots.
The Course Designer is Still There
My favorite part of TGC has always been the Course Designer. In the past, it has been the most complete course/field creation tool in any sports video game. Based on what I've seen, played and read, the feature has gotten bigger. The interface has been simplified to make course creation less complicated. The number of objects available is being expanded to include things like houses.
There is now an auto-fill option for drawing bunkers, greens, and fairways too.
Have the Graphics Improved?
The use of SpeedTree technology is designed to increase the visual quality during gameplay.
The Character Editor Has Seen an Upgrade
There are new club heads, outfits, hair options and the ability to adjust height and weight. It's not exactly on the level of WWE 2K's creation suite, but it's a definite improvement over the last version's character customization options.
Societies
2K and HB Studios is really trying to grow the social aspect of the game. That is primarily done through upgrading TGC's Society structure. In the latest game, you can grow your membership, upgrade the clubhouse, arrange and operate your own tournaments as well as earn VC.
How About the Gameplay?
TGC 2019 is a challenge to play. It'll take some time to master, but the gameplay is still rewarding enough to keep you playing. The gameplay experience has been enhanced with improved club sets, better swing feedback, and the best ball physics I've seen in a console golf game.
Truth be told, TGC 2019 might be scary for some virtual golfers, but as I stuck with it, my frustrations minimized. Now it's enjoyable to play and when you throw in the course design option, this still feels like a birdie.
