28.04.2025 - If you enjoy sports video games and management sims, you are spoilt for a choice. You can take any sport – football, soccer, basketball, and even wrestling – and there will usually be a AAA release or two every year for the console. Online, there are even more options.
Yet, we would argue that golf remains underserved in terms of flagship games. There are several reasons for this, but one interesting theory states that golf games have lost some marketability after Tiger Woods’s career decline in the mid-2010s. This coincided with the end of EA's annual release of Tiger Woods PGA Tour games. There were some attempts to resurrect the series, including in 2023, but sales have been underwhelming.
But if a company like EA were to return to the concept and bring out an annual release in the same way as, for example, the NBA 2K series or FIFA/EA Sports series, who would be the best choice to lead it as a cover star? Indeed, there is nobody with the allure of Woods – few sportspeople in history were on his level. So, you would argue that it would need to be on a rotation basis, less like the Madden series and more like the WWE 2K series, with a new star each year.
Below, we look at the players who could fit the bill:
Rory McIlroy
Arguably, McIlroy is the player that became the face of golf after Woods’ career hit the rails. Indeed, McIlroy was picked to replace Woods for EA’s PGA Tour 2015. Ten years later, McIlroy is still among the best players in the world. He is among the favorites in the betting odds for the Masters 2025. He is probably the most recognizable golfer in the world today so it would make a lot of sense from a marketing perspective.
Scottie Scheffler
If McIlroy remains the face of professional golf, there is little doubt who the most successful player on the global circuit is right now – Scottie Scheffler. The world number one has been head and shoulders above the rest of the players for over a year now. He has won numerous accolades over the last few years, including two Green Jackets at the Masters.
Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau plays on the rebel LIV golf tour, making it problematic for any PGA-branded game. Yet, he is one of golf’s biggest stars and certainly one of the most compelling. DeChambeau is also a self-made social media star, as he will often post videos of wacky challenges. He would be a wise choice for someone who can engage with the fans.
Ludvig Aberg
It can sometimes be wise to give this kind of gig to up-and-coming stars, and many believe that 25-year-old Swedish Ludvig Aberg could be the next big thing in global golf. The current world number 6 is photogenic and affable, and he has the kind of talent that could send him into the stratosphere of golfing greatness sooner rather than later.
Tiger Woods
Okay. Yes, we know we are talking about replacing Tiger Woods, but technically, he is still an active player, even if injuries mean he cannot compete frequently. Nonetheless, he is arguably the most marketable star in the game's history, and bringing him back as a cover star would be a nod to the glory days of golf video games in the 2000s.
