My first foray into golf video games is Mario Golf 64 way back in the ’90s, and over the years I developed a secret soft spot for golf. In fact, just recently I enjoyed watching golf during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. To be frank, I enjoyed watching it more than all of the other Olympic sports because, thanks to over 20 years of golf video game experience, I understood how golf is scored, the rules, and its lingo, such as the golf glossary. And who says video games can’t teach you anything?

Despite playing tennis video games for over 20 years, I still don’t get the gist of tennis, its rules, or its lingo. When I’m not playing platformers (platformers are my bread and butter), I do play a golf video game every now and then. Golf video games have always been relaxing but frustrating at the same time because the golf ball doesn’t go where you want it to go. Visiting the Treetop Adventure Golf in Manchester is on my bucket list. I’ve been meaning to go for the longest time but never got the chance.

The Role of Music

Without music, the experience is disturbing. The silence is loud and jarring. Plus, silence isn’t always golden. You only have the sound effects and your caddie to keep you company. Music can make or break a game, depending on the quality of the in-game soundtrack.

Game Setup and Controls

Unlike the previous instalment, you don’t get the chance to create and customise your character or pick a golfer from a roster. Instead, you’re introduced to the receptionist of the clubhouse before being given the opportunity to fiddle with the settings.

Before teeing off, you can select from a wide range of clubs—for instance, choosing the 1W is ideal for hitting the ball from inside the tee box. You can practise your swings, listen to advice from your caddie, and strategise how to hit the ball, taking wind speed into account. Once you’ve set power and impact, coupled with applying backspin or topspin, you’re ready to swing.

The PlayStation 4 controller, PS VR headset, PS4 camera, and PlayStation Move controller are the tools of the trade. It’s nice to see Sony hasn’t abandoned the Move controller—it’s not a one-and-done gimmick.

No Story, Immediate Gameplay

Similar to all previous Everybody’s Golf games, there is no story. You’re immediately plopped into the game.

Missing Tournaments

Unfortunately, there are no tournaments—most likely because this game is single-player. You can play a round of 18 or fewer holes, but it’s not the same without tourneys. Tournaments are what make golf… erm… golf. The lack of tournaments breaks immersion.

Everybody’s Golf, Worldwide

Unlike in America, the franchise has always been called Everybody’s Golf in the UK, Europe, and Japan. I’m used to the name. Americans may not be, but they have to deal with it.

Bare-Bones Presentation

Compared to previous Everybody’s Golf games, this one feels bare bones. There’s no music, no spectators, and no other golfers to play with or against. Just like Everybody’s Golf for PS4, the charm is lacking—especially without PlayStation characters making cameos. Imagine Sly Cooper and Bentley, or Murray as a caddie, hitting the links like Ratchet & Clank or Jak and Daxter. Murray could drive a golf cart with Sly in the passenger seat.

Unlike past games, Everybody’s Golf VR isn’t multiplayer. You can’t play locally offline or online, which will turn off some players. Personally, I think I’ve played much better Everybody’s Golf games.

What Else is Missing?

A sportscaster. Even Mario Golf: Super Rush finally has one. Including a commentator makes the experience feel more authentic, like real-life golf matches.

The PS4 camera feels underutilised. When you hit the ball, it doesn’t follow the shot. You won’t know where it lands until a replay shows whether it’s in a bunker, water, or somewhere else.

Caddie Interactions

Over the course of the game, you can establish a bond with your caddie, like sitting on a bench as they offer you chocolate. But that’s not a viable substitute for driving a golf cart across the course, an experience missing here—and one Mario Golf: Super Rush also dropped the ball on.