Following the thrilling events in Augusta recently, every golf fan can look to recreate some of their favourite “Masters Moments” in the newest edition of EA Sports’ Tiger Woods title.
By Frank McCann
Despite Tiger’s less-than-acceptable behaviour in recent times, EA have decided to keep the golfer’s name and silhouette on the front cover, although the full digital rendition of the Masters tournament dominates the game’s appeal this year.
If you’ve played any of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour games in the last number of years, one thing you will constantly notice is the lack of change. A new feature here and there is enough to make us want the new model, much like the FIFA franchise for football fans.
You wouldn’t blame them either. Why would you mess with a formula that everybody’s happy with? They’re the best golf games on the market, selling more than any of their competitors year after year.
This year is no different. There are two new features that stand out in the 2012 version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour. The full, official version of the Masters tournament from Augusta is now included, as well as the new caddie system.
Sadly, the single-player mode lacks a nightclub mission to really put you in the mind of Tiger
With these games on the market for years now, it’s hard to believe that they hadn’t come up with the caddie idea sooner. An excellent feature for beginners, the caddie (who appears on the right of your screen during shot preparation) offers you tips and advice on how to perform your shot.
Believe it or not, this mode is actually very helpful, especially for those who are new to the series. What’s even more impressive is that the caddie’s advice advances as you improve. By unlocking achievements and raising your skill level, he will offer you advice on how to hit wickedly impressive shots that will have your mates thinking you’ve been playing these games for years.
While the caddie feature is helpful, it sometimes gets to a stage where you’d love to stick your hand through the TV and strangle him, especially when he gives you the same advice on a shot you’re never going to pull off. Trust me, you’ll know all about it when you get in that situation.
Although the game has an official Masters licence, it’s disappointing to note that there are a lot of top golfers missing from the roster, including this year’s champion Charl Schwartzel, as well as the self-imploding Rory McIlroy.
Whether this has anything to do with the game being endorsed by Tiger Woods, we don’t know, however, we found it unusual that two of the sport’s biggest players were omitted from the game.
Masters experience
As for the amount of courses available, its interesting to note that the Wii version of the game features 25 courses, while the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions only feature 15, with a further 20 being available as downloadable content. 
Finally, the ability to replicate some of the most memorable “Masters Moments” in this year’s game is a welcomed inclusion. Although some of them are extremely difficult, you will get great satisfaction in recreating Phil Mickelson’s “between-the-trees” shot on the thirteenth hole from last year’s tournament. The scenario mode is a tricky but rewarding experience.
Overall, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2012 is a slight improvement on last year’s attempt, with the caddie feature adding a new, more realistic feel to the game. The inclusion of the Masters licence is something fans of the game have been waiting to see for years, with its addition undoubtedly making the game appeal to those who didn’t think it was worth upgrading this year.
We’re hoping that more golfers will become available through download, as the overall roster is a bit weak compared to other years. However, that isn’t enough to turn us off this quality golf simulation.
Format: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC; Developer: EA Tiburon
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