I’ve always been a fan of golf video games, even before I played golf in real life (IRL). To be clear when I say “played golf IRL,” I mean I own a set of golf clubs and I occasionally spend some time hitting balls at the driving range (practice range). I may play a round of golf on a special occasion (usually only 9 holes) just to make my friends happy. In fact, I only own a set of 20+ year old golf clubs because my friend offered me his old clubs back in high school for ten dollars and my fake Rolex.

I’ve always been way more into golf video games than actual real life golf for a couple of reasons. (1) It’s usually hot outside in Florida and although I enjoy being outdoor and the sun, it’s not great for golf. (2) Video game golf is much, much easier than the real version. I’m way more consistent in video game golf, and many golf games even have some unique or silly additions to them. (3) It’s much faster. The other day we played 18 holes and it took over five hours. In PGA Tour 2K21 it takes about thirty minutes or less to play an 18 hole round.

Obsessed with Golf (Games)

The first golf game I remember becoming slightly obsessed with was the Tiger Woods franchise — which rightfully disappeared after we learned was a naughty dude. I even remember one entry in the franchise allowing me to use my full body and actual golf swing thanks to the Xbox 360 Kinect. Later on, I moved onto more cartoonish golf games — Everybody’s Golf, Hot Shots Golf and recently Mario Golf: Super Rush.

Last month, PlayStation gave PS Plus subscribers PGA Tour 2k21 for FREE. And of course, I totally took advantage. This game has brought back my obsession with a simulation golf video game. I started off by creating my character and starting a PGA Tour. So far, that’s been a lot of fun. Here are some highlights from my early days on the PGA tour:

My Favorite Game Mode

It wasn’t until earlier this week that I discovered an incredible new game mode in the game — Divot Derby! I haven’t explored the game menu much more than PGA Tour and Divot Derby, but I do know they included a course editor which sounds like it could also be cool. Even if I know I’ll be horrible at creating my own courses, it’s nice to know that you can play other people’s courses. It’s sort of like a Super Mario Maker golf course creator. They do have a speed golf version in Mario Golf: Super Rush, but this one feels so much more urgent while playing online with up to 20 real players.

In Divot Derby you play online versus up to 20 other players. It’s sort of Battle Royale golf. Every hole a few players are eliminated (the last two to make it). It’s doesn’t matter how many strokes you take, it’s all about being the fastest to the hole. There’s no reason to set up your shots, take your time with putting or anything like that. It’s sort of a guessing game. Once the timer starts, it’s a race to the finish.

I was able to capture some gameplay below of how hectic it can get.

It’s cool to see new, fun game modes in realistic sports-sim games. While Madden and FIFA have been relying on Ultimate Team modes to increase popularity, I like seeing that PGA Golf isn’t following in that same direction. NBA 2K is another one that has it’s Blacktop modes where you can play stThey found their own goofy modes.

I’m really excited to play against my buddies online in a realistic golf match — but also for more Divot Derby.

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PGA Tour 2K21 was a FREE PS Plus game last month (in October) but can be purchased on all platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Stadia.