The season of “real” golf is well underway. However, this relatively expensive sport is not easy to practice in the city. Never mind, video game developers have thought of everything. Now all you need is a controller or keyboard to test your skills on the most beautiful courses.
Probably invented in the Netherlands in the 13th century under the name “colf”, golf appeared on the Magnavox Odyssey 2 console in 1978. The game is called “Computer Golf!”. It was quickly followed by “Pro Golf 1” (1979) for the Apple II and “Golf” (1980) for the Atari 2600. As you can imagine, everything is sketchy: the graphics, the course and the possible shots. But the designers know they have a sport that appeals to them.
Franchises
As with tennis, the games are becoming more and more realistic, aiming to give the virtual player the same sensations as the real golfer. In 1986, the company Access Software released its “Leader Board”, the version of which for the Sega Genesis is available via browser (https://www.letsplaysega.com/play-world-class-leaderboard-golf-online/) with its little “kitsch” music and its very vintage pixels! “Leader Board”, praised by critics and players, will become “Links” (via browser, https://playclassic.games/games/sport-dos-games-online/play-links-386-pro-online/) as early as 1992 after the purchase of the company by Microsoft.
In 1990, the company Electronic Arts, founded in 1982 by a former employee of Apple, entered the race and released “PGA Tour Golf” … for MS-DOS! This is the glorious era of pixels and funny sound effects that can be found via this browser emulator (retrogames.cz/play_564-DOS.php). Considered at the time to be the best golfing title, the game was a success and EA and then EA Sports continued the momentum and released five “PGA Tours” until 1997, improving the functionality each time. It is to the franchise that we owe, in particular, the three-click swing.
Worn for 17 years by Tiger Woods, whose annual contract was worth around US $ 7 million, the game became “Rory McIlroy PGA Tour” in 2015 after the champion’s sexual escapades. Today, EA Sports is preparing its “PGA Tour” (https://www.ea.com/games/pga-tour?setLocale=en-us), available next year and in which Tiger Woods will perform there. elsewhere his return.
The HB Studios company is also launching into the game of golf with its “The Golf Club” (via Steam for Windows store.steampowered.com/app/269730/The_Golf_Club/), released in 2014. First considered as an average game, the title gets better. Under the name “PGA Tour 2K” (pgatour.2k.com for Windows, Ninendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One), version 2021 includes player customization options, including an Adidas clothing collection and a completely redesigned career mode.
Another title not to be overlooked: “World Golf Tour” (for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, www.wgt.com/) which can be played online for free and which over 10 million players regularly play.
Less serious
Family title par excellence and to which the youngest can succumb, “Everybody’s Golf” (for the PlayStation 4, https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/everybodys-golf/, et Apple Arcade apps.apple.com/us/app/clap-hanz-golf/id1486556563) is more user-friendly than so-called “serious” titles. The visuals are those of an arcade game, the animations, colors and sound effects are fun. In addition, players can explore the courses in their cart or indulge in several mini-games.
“Dangerous Golf” (for Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, https://www.threefieldsentertainment.com/our-games/dangerous-golf/) is a totally crazy mini-putt game. Players must, in unlikely environments such as a kitchen or a palace, destroy as many objects as possible while hitting the ball through the hole. Amusing!
Designed for players who “hate golf”, “What the Golf?” (for Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Apple Arcade, whatthegolf.com/) is a funny little game in which the tee moves, obstacles pile up, and the player has to propel themselves through the courses. Laughing guaranteed. Note that the game is now available for iOS (apps.apple.com/us/app/what-the-golf/id1415190483), but not yet for Android.
Obviously, on the Nintendo side, golf games are also in the spotlight. “Angry Golf” (for the Nintendo Switch, https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/angry-golf-switch/) is a mix between sport and … shooting game! Also, the famous franchise “Mario Golf” has been enhanced with a new title in recent days, the “Super Rush” (https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/mario-golf-super-rush-switch/, for Nintendo Switch) can be played up to four people, offers a number of obstacles and offers 16 characters in several modes, including “Speed Golf” and “Battle Golf”.
The week’s waste of (useful) time
Classic first developed for Nintendo’s SNES in 1992, then for Sega’s Genesis the following year, “Classic Pebble Beach Golf Links” (via browser arcadespot.com/game/pebble-beach-golf-links/) takes place on the prestigious Pebble Beach course in the United States. Several modes are available, and the title, soon to be thirty, still offers an undeniable and appreciable level of complexity … nostalgia included!
