"Birds, Bogies, and Eagles, oh my!"

PGA Tour Golf is one of the rare Genesis games that outshines its Super Nintendo counterpart. While graphically inferior, PGA Genesis features better play control, better customization, and improved physics. Oddly, it also features one of the most rockin' theme songs in any intro of any game! I suppose they had to make it good considering the majority of the game afterwards is bereft of sound.
There are four 18 hole courses you can compete on. Three (PGA West, TPC at Avenal, and TPC at Sawgrass) are based on real life courses while the fourth, Sterling Shores, is a fantasy course made up by the designers. Let me clarify that; it is not fantasy in the sense that there are beautiful women, flying dragons, and perky elves gamboling about; it merely exists only in this game but is otherwise a normal video golf course. See?
Among the good features of this game are the ability to create and save players (with fairly long names!), stats of tournaments you've played in, and a save ability (in case you choke in the middle of an important tournament!) The shot accuracy and physics are well done, with a variety of clubs and special shots. Wind plays a big factor in your shots as well, with gusts blowing from 1-20 mph. Overall, PGA is an addicting game, if a little bit simple in terms of graphics and sound.

Graphics: 6.5 There is nothing essentially wrong with the graphics, but they are quite plain. The sections of fairway, rough, deep rough, bunkers, and water are denoted by a solid color with no shadows or detail. The golfers are somewhat stiff and differ only in the color of their outfits. The detailed greens are slow to rotate, though the rises and breaks in the greens are usually right on, physics-wise.

Play Control: 9.4 This is where PGA excels. A smooth moving meter gauges the power and accuracy of your shot. You can adjust for wind by either aiming off center or employing a slice or hook to your shot. There are the full bag of clubs available and you will need to know the difference between woods and irons to make good shots! Besides driving and putting, PGA also features a few special shots, such as chips, blasts, and punches. These work well in various situations and can make a world of difference in the short game.

Sound: 5.0 After a great opening theme, we are left with little more in the way of music. There is a little ditty when you start up or resume a tournament, but that is about all. Most of the game is quiet, with only the effects of your clubs and birds gracing your speakers. In some situations, the crowd (where ever they are) will applaud or say Awwww at a missed shot. Quiet works for golf, but a little more soundage would have increased my aural pleasure.

Challenge: 7.8 It takes a good deal of skill to actually win tournaments, though by using the save feature it is easy to cheat as well. When it comes down to it, there is a balance between skill and luck that mimics real golf. Par 5's tend to be easy holes to birdie or eagle, par 4's are often good for just that, while par 3's can leave you filled with rage as ball after ball plunks into the drink. A good overall balance of challenge, but still enjoyable for novice players.

Overall: 8.4 A great effort in a golf game by EA. While golf games in general don't appeal to everyone, this one is worth checking out. It is fun and addicting, but it will get old after a while. Still, if you are into quality golf, stats, and winning big money, PGA is the game for you!

Bru's Must-get-ometer: 8 As good as it gets for Genesis video golf. Just don't expect any of that rambunctious violence that the kids seem to love; it's just golf!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/28/01, Updated 06/28/01