EA Sports PGA Tour series Augusta National Returns to the Game
After a ten-year absence, one of the most legendary golf courses in gaming history has returned to the virtual world, and it looks better than ever before. EA Sports, the creators of the popular Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Rory McIlroy video game series, announced the relaunch of their iconic golf game as EA Sports PGA Tour. This new game will feature Augusta National as one of its 30 courses, marking the return of the fabled course to video games. Additionally, the game will include a “Road to the Masters” career mode and will be the only golf video game to showcase all four men’s major championships, as well as the LPGA’s Amundi Evian Championship. The renewed partnership between Augusta National and EA Sports was announced before the 2021 Masters.
During a media preview, the game developers stated that the timing was perfect for bringing back the series, given the increased interest in golf during the pandemic. Moreover, the advancements made to the game’s Frostbite graphics engine have allowed for the creation of what they claim is “the most spectacular-looking golf game ever.” Furthermore, EA Sports has plans to revive its popular college football game in the summer of 2024. Consumers now have a choice between two new golf video games, Tiger Woods or the Masters.
According to the game developers, advancements in the Frostbite graphics engine have enabled them to create the “most spectacular-looking golf game ever.” In addition to this, EA Sports has announced plans to revive its popular college football game in the summer of 2024.
The development team focused on four key pillars when creating the game. Firstly, the game will be the exclusive home of the major championships – a feature that was highly requested by fans of golf video games. Augusta National, which first appeared in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 (2011) and was a staple of the game’s subsequent editions, was not included in the 2015 reboot, Rory McIlroy PGA Tour. The new EA Sports PGA Tour game will feature unique presentation packages for each major championship, including an introduction narrated by Nick Faldo for the Open Championship.
EA Sports has entered agreements with golf’s governing bodies that extend beyond the major championships. The upcoming EA Sports PGA Tour game will feature top amateur events, including the U.S. Amateur and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, for the first time.
The game will also offer a deep and diverse selection of courses, with 30 locations worldwide at launch. These courses range from classic favorites like TPC Sawgrass and Pebble Beach to more exotic destinations such as Oregon’s Bandon Dunes and New Zealand’s Tara Iti. To accurately depict each course, the production team utilized a range of technologies, including LiDAR, photogrammetry, and GPS mapping, working with former geologists and conducting on-ground mapping and photography with helicopters, airplanes, and drones.
In a unique move, Augusta National provided EA Sports with access to its “tree health software” to create an even more authentic representation of the iconic course.
To ensure accurate depiction of every detail on the course, Augusta National gave EA Sports access to its “tree health software,” enabling the developers to precisely place every tree and flower on the course. According to producer Ban Ramsour, the data used for the courses is 30 times denser than anything publicly available for other games and simulators.
During a live demo of the game on Augusta National’s 13th hole, the developers showcased the new gameplay mechanics and course details. Notably, the demo featured the pair teeing off from last year’s back tee, although recent aerial photographs have revealed a new tee on the famous par-5. When asked about this, EA Sports lead producer David Baker suggested that updates may be released in the future, although Augusta National is unlikely to make any announcements about the new tee until closer to the tournament.
According to lead producer David Baker, the team is working closely with Augusta National and other courses to ensure the most up-to-date course information is incorporated into the game. This includes replicating features such as bunkers, fairways, and tee boxes from all the courses featured in the game. Baker emphasized the importance of the strong partnerships the company has formed with each course in order to create the most authentic experience possible.
The game will launch with a roster of 30 courses from around the world, including iconic courses such as Augusta National, St. Andrews (Old Course), Pebble Beach, and The Country Club. Other notable courses include Southern Hills, TPC Sawgrass, and Wolf Creek, as well as more exotic locations like Tara Iti in New Zealand and Banff Springs in Canada.
- Career mode Tony Finau at Pebble Beach. EA Sports
In the latest game, players can now choose to start their career playing in amateur events, the Korn Ferry Tour, or on the PGA Tour. The Create a Player mode is also back.
Apart from the majors, the game has also licensed several PGA Tour events, including the three FedEx Cup Playoff events. To enhance the career mode experience, the game features hours of commentary from Rich Lerner, Frank Nobilo, Notah Begay III, Iona Stephen, and Nick Faldo.
To make the career mode more challenging, the game includes challenges based on real-world events in between tournaments. Additionally, players can progress through the ranks and customize their characters’ skills and attributes to suit their preferred playstyle.
The game also features various top professional golfers, in addition to the created player mode. The list of confirmed players includes Jordan Spieth, Danielle Kang, Tony Finau, Patrick Cantlay, Lexi Thompson, Scottie Scheffler, and Nelly Korda. EA Sports has stated that more players will be announced later, and some will be available after the game’s launch.
Augusta National
The Augusta National Golf Club is famous for hosting the Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships in professional golf. The Augusta game golf is an experience that every golfer should have at least once in their lifetime.
The Augusta National Golf Club was founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1933. The Augusta National Golf Club is a par 72 course and measures 7,475 yards from the championship tees.
Playing at Augusta National Golf Club is a dream for many golfers worldwide. The Augusta game golf is an experience that offers an opportunity to play on the same course as some of the greatest golfers in history, such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods. The Masters Tournament is the only major championship held at the same course every year, making it a unique experience for golfers and fans alike.
The Augusta National Golf Club is known for its challenging greens, with many undulations and tricky slopes. The greens are usually firm and fast, making it essential to have good putting skills. The fairways at Augusta National are also challenging, with narrow landing areas and strategically placed bunkers and hazards.
The Augusta game golf experience is not limited to the course itself. The Augusta National Golf Club is a beautiful facility with immaculate landscaping and breathtaking views. The clubhouse is a historic building that has been renovated several times over the years. It features a museum and a pro shop where visitors can purchase exclusive Masters merchandise.
The Augusta game golf experience is not limited to professional golfers. Augusta National Golf Club also hosts a program called “Play with the Pros,” which allows amateur golfers to play alongside PGA Tour players and experience the course first-hand.
In conclusion, the Augusta game golf experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for golfers to play on one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. The Augusta National Golf Club is a challenging course that requires skill, strategy, and precision. The course is also a beautiful facility with breathtaking views and exclusive amenities. Playing at Augusta National Golf Club is a dream for many golfers, and the Masters Tournament is a must-see event for any golf fan.
