The Golf Club 2
- June 27, 2017
- HB Studios
- 20h median play time
The Golf Club 2 is a satisfying and challenging golf simulation that succeeds thanks to the depth and quality of its core mechanics and number of courses available, despite a lackluster visual presentation and lack of proper online multiplayer.
Get on Steam"The Golf Club 2" is a golf simulation game that offers a realistic golfing experience with precise controls and detailed courses. Players can create and customize their own golfer and golf courses, and compete in career mode or online multiplayer matches. The game also features advanced swing mechanics and comprehensive shot options for added depth and challenge.
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Great graphics and beautiful courses enhance the golfing experience.
- The swing mechanics are challenging but rewarding, requiring practice to master.
- The course designer allows for endless user-generated content, providing a vast variety of courses to play.
- Putting mechanics are inconsistent and often unrealistic, leading to frustration.
- The game lacks a traditional swing meter, making it difficult for players to gauge shot power.
- Multiplayer functionality is convoluted and lacks a proper lobby system for easy access to friends.
- gameplay316 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the golf game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its solid mechanics and realistic simulation aspects, particularly when using a controller. However, significant criticism is directed at the inconsistent swing and putting mechanics, which some find frustrating and poorly designed, detracting from the overall experience. While the game offers a variety of courses and multiplayer options, the steep learning curve and sensitivity of controls can make it challenging for players to enjoy fully.
“However, the gameplay and total content completely overshadows that and creates an enjoyable experience.”
“The swing mechanics are interesting and give you enough control to feel like you are able to manipulate shots.”
“The gameplay is so smooth and a big improvement on the first.”
“The putting mechanics are utterly and completely broken.”
“Agonizing because of the potential lost... sure... but mostly agonizing against incredibly touchy physics and borderline broken mechanics.”
“Very sloppy swing mechanics/controls with hardly any feedback (which is usually questionable) makes it very difficult to be consistent and is crucial for a golf sim.”
- graphics249 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the beautiful courses and overall visual quality, while others criticize specific elements like character models and occasional graphical glitches. While some users find the graphics to be above average and a significant improvement over older golf games, others feel they fall short of modern standards, particularly in certain areas like water effects and lighting. Overall, the visuals are generally considered good, but not groundbreaking, with room for improvement in certain aspects.
“Great game graphics are awesome and if you like golf you'll love this game.”
“The courses are beautiful, the graphics are great and the transfer of golf skills to a game are as good as can be.”
“What a massive upgrade from Links 2K3 - graphics look awesome on a decent rig, there are tons of courses available to play and explore, including many real course recreations.”
“Unfortunately, the graphics are pathetic.”
“The graphics are terrible; I don't know what my graphics card is being used for because the graphics in this look like a simplistic Android game.”
“Graphically, the game is a disappointment.”
- optimization31 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has seen significant improvements compared to its predecessor, with smoother performance and better graphics on most PCs. However, some users report occasional stuttering, texture pop-in issues, and performance inconsistencies, particularly on lower-end hardware like the GTX 1070. Despite these minor drawbacks, many players find the gameplay well-optimized and enjoyable.
“Great graphics, smooth performance, tons of customization.”
“Nicely optimized game.”
“The gameplay itself is much more optimized and runs beautifully on most PCs.”
“Some absurd optimization issues on a GTX 1070 at 1080p.”
“Performance in career mode is also unreal and frustrating.”
“There are some issues with texture pop-in at certain distances, but there are settings you can tweak to increase those distances at the cost of performance (depending on how strong your GPU is).”
- stability14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is mixed, with some users reporting smooth performance at high resolutions and minimal issues, while others experience significant bugs and graphical glitches, particularly in the menu system. Overall, while some players find it runs well, many express frustration with its inconsistency and visual problems, leading to refund requests.
“Runs great at 3440x1440p maxed and supports ultra-wide without any issues.”
“Game is way too buggy, inconsistent. Hope the 2019 PGA version is better; one would hope so if it's an official licensed product.”
“Menu system is awful and far too many graphical glitches; refund pending.”
“The visuals are worse than the first game, with poor lighting and more graphical glitches.”
- humor10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of amusing and somewhat annoying commentary, which some players find enjoyable while others may prefer to mute. The announcer's dry delivery adds a layer of humor, though opinions vary on its effectiveness. Overall, the inclusion of funny elements, particularly in the announcer's lines, contributes positively to the gaming experience.
“The commentator is funny and somewhat annoying, and I don't know if this is intentional, but it is definitely a good inclusion and can also be muted if needed.”
“The announcer is kind of fun, and his dry delivery is great, often times almost funny.”
“It's funny, my very first career round I shot -8, but when I switched to tour clubs it was a whole different story. But hey, that's what driving ranges are for.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game offers exceptional replayability, primarily due to the vast array of user-generated courses and a robust course editor that enhances the gaming experience. However, some players note persistent technical issues from the previous version that can detract from online play. Overall, the replay value is considered excellent, with endless possibilities for new gameplay experiences.
“Endless replay value with player-made courses.”
“Buy TGC1, it's much more playable than this version, especially since the same issues that were in it weren't fixed and they are still in TGC2, such as when playing online with friends, one person seeing the ball go in and the other seeing it roll down the hill when he's the one that hit the shot!”
“This adds an infinite replayability value that no other golf game can provide... it's the level of detail and what you can do inside the course editor will blow your mind.”
“This is a decent little game, loads of courses, giving it loads of replay value.”
- story6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is not focused on narrative but rather on the player's progression and challenges in golf, particularly when transitioning to more advanced clubs. Players emphasize the need for strategic gameplay due to the complexity of the courses, indicating that this game is more serious and skill-oriented than casual mini-golf experiences.
“If you're looking for mini putt and golf story, this isn't the game for you.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's music quality is generally considered low, leading players to often stream their own music while playing. Despite this, many find it enjoyable to play in a relaxed, vibing atmosphere.
“Fun game to just vibe and play music to.”
“I find myself streaming music because the audio for this game is very low quality.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by stunning graphics and immersive ambient sounds, such as birdsong, creating a relaxing environment that invites players to fully engage with the diverse courses. Reviewers appreciate how these elements combine to evoke a sense of presence and enjoyment, even amidst the ups and downs of gameplay.
“The ambient noise is great, with bird sounds and the atmosphere of the different courses captured beautifully.”
“With that said, you get gorgeous graphics which deliver a relaxing atmosphere, making you want to be there yourself on any of the millions of courses.”
“With that said, you get gorgeous graphics which deliver a relaxing atmosphere, making you want to be there yourself on any of the millions of courses, playing mostly crappy shots followed by some stunning shots.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many users expressing disappointment compared to the first installment.
“The first game was better; this feels like a cash grab.”
“This game is just a money-making scheme, lacking any real substance.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional response to the game is overwhelmingly negative, with users expressing strong dissatisfaction that led them to uninstall it and vow never to play it again.
Critic Reviews
The Golf Club 2 Review
A decent sequel that improves upon its predecessor in virtually every department, The Golf Club 2 strikes a good drive. But while the improvements to the simulation and course editor are appreciated, there’s still work that needs to be done to the unifying Societies system, which represents a clever idea that’s far too convoluted for its own good right now. A third stroke should see this series realise its very real potential – but in fairness, this entry is in regulation and well worth buying if you’re a fan of the sport.
70%The Golf Club 2 Review – Skip to the 19th Hole
I'm under no illusions. Creating a brand new golf franchise from scratch is no easy feat. There's a lot of things to get right, and while The Golf Club 2 delivers on some fronts, it's really lacking on others. At its best, it's an average golf game with near endless hours of content and a strong community feel.
60%The Golf Club 2
Finding That Sweet Spot
88%
