The Golf Club

 PC
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 60
  3. Negative: 21 out of 60

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  1. Blackadar
    Aug 19, 2014
    4
    In short, steer clear. It's not worth the money.

    As a lover of golf games, I'm an optimist about this genre and I'm willing to give most any golf game the benefit of the doubt given that the genre hasn't had much love the last decade. I believe TGC has potential to be decent. But as a warning to customers regarding the 8/19 release, this game is not ready yet. There are some major    In short, steer clear. It's not worth the money.

    As a lover of golf games, I'm an optimist about this genre and I'm willing to give most any golf game the benefit of the doubt given that the genre hasn't had much love the last decade. I believe TGC has potential to be decent. But as a warning to customers regarding the 8/19 release, this game is not ready yet. There are some major issues with TCG that you should be aware of:

    1. The game is still poorly optimized on the PC. It still runs poorly on medium on my PC (which is pretty decent) and there are numerous reports about poor optimization and the game cooking video cards or vid card fans having to run at 100%. Supposedly an optimization patch will come out upon release, but be warned that this game may not run worth a damn on your PC. And frankly it doesn't look that good to work the PC that hard.

    2. The game is not immersive and there are a host of reasons why. The voice overs are still lifeless and amateur. No crowds. There's a noticeable lack of good environmental sounds and even the course backgrounds are pretty dull. The trees are fairly uniform. Also, there aren't weather effects or things like that. It plays like you're hitting into a screen, not that you're on the course. In short, the golfing environment isn't very good. It's not ugly by any means, but it's most certainly not immersive.

    3. If you can't play on max resolutions, your green grid won't work from more than 20 feet outside the cup. Faced with a 40 foot putt? You're screwed - you have no idea how it's going to break. On low resolution this radius is only about 8 feet from the cup. They've known about this issue since putting the game out on EA and haven't fixed it yet (and according to them, won't until sometime "after release").

    4. There's still the mystery long/short putt issue. I've played TCG for 20 hours or so. I know how to putt and get it close to the hole. My last round was -14. But there's still the mystery but (happens every round or two) where you draw back, hit the ball and the putt that should go 25 feet goes 4 feet. It's been around since the game was released on EA and still hasn't been fixed either. It probably has something to do with lag in the game engine due to it not being optimized, but it's a PITA having your round spoiled like that.

    5. The wind and physics are still weird at times. I've seen a 6-8 MPH wind blow wedge shots 25 feet from side to side. I've played golf in real life for 30 years now and haven't seen that on the course. Also, the ball physics are wonky when it hits a slope. Low, hard shots like with a 3 wood don't bounce right when they hit an upslope. They'll stop dead and bounce backwards rather than pop up and forward like they should. It's like the ball velocity doesn't count when figuring out the physics on a ball hitting an upslope. Hit a 3 wood into a 55 degree rise and the ball will bounce backwards in this game. That doesn't happen IRL.

    6. Want to play an honest game online? Forget it. There's so much cheating from edging to other forms that it's not enjoyable. The swing motion in TGC may be novel, but it lends itself to rampant cheating and artificial "assists". People will outright admit it on this forum and this is probably not a solvable problem. If you want an honest MP game, TCG isn't the game for you.

    7. There's no character progression, no tour, nothing like that. This is hitting balls into a moderately attractive backdrop. That's it. Now I applaud TCG for not putting in a half assed version of progression (which is worse than none), be aware that that's all there is - that and the designer.

    While future promises are nice, TCG really needs quite a few more months of baking before it leaves Early Access. So what you're getting on the 19th is really not much more than what I got 6 months ago on EA. Do I regret my purchase? Not really because there's nothing else out there. Do I think it's a good game or a good golf simulation right now? No. So for those who haven't purchased the game, know what you're getting before you fork over your money because it's not that good of a game right now. It's only a fair representation of golf with a mediocre golf designer and no career mode or progression.    … Expand
  2. Gollum
    Aug 21, 2014
    1
    The community is full of fanboys who flame anyone who dares to offer constructive critism.

    Only the course creator is passable but needs lots more work

    Online is awfull. Only strokeplay with 10 second delay between shots. No other online modes or lobby

    Full of bugs. Of concern is that more bugs appear everytime there is an upgrade.

    Save your cash guys
  3. Nubletofdoom
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    Horrible game, i wanted a cool golf game because i didnt have any and i really feel scammed right now. The delay between your real moves and the game feels like playing 2000 ping it's just weird, graphism are bad, comments are awful. Nothing good about this game, just make sure you skip that one.
  4. eclecticgamer83
    Aug 19, 2014
    2
    Bought this game when it hit Steam during Early Access. Developers used funds to optimize console versions instead.

    The graphics are sub-par, the animations are horrible. It really looks like Golden Tee 2004. Even on a top end system, this game chugs along like it's gasping for it's last dying breath. The only good thing about the game are the sounds, but they aren't good enough to    Bought this game when it hit Steam during Early Access. Developers used funds to optimize console versions instead.

    The graphics are sub-par, the animations are horrible. It really looks like Golden Tee 2004. Even on a top end system, this game chugs along like it's gasping for it's last dying breath. The only good thing about the game are the sounds, but they aren't good enough to pull the score up a point.

    The control scheme is horribly wrong and poorly configurable (must be done prior to launching the game. The game's launcher is actually the standard fare unity launcher with ZERO customization, other than control inputs and resolution.

    The putting is atrocious and poorly iterated, giving the user no feeling of immersion, but rather confusion and disorientation.

    Bottom line, not worth it even on sale.    … Expand
  5. BishopBoston
    Aug 20, 2014
    0
    One of the wors releases in the history of golf. Just what we need to mar the already rocky video game relationship with golf.

    Basically, it's a half a**ed attempt at throwing something at the market before the game comes out. All the mechanics are a straight rip off from TW, with NO (and I mean NO) imagination whatsoever. It's fun, for about three holes. Then you realize the    One of the wors releases in the history of golf. Just what we need to mar the already rocky video game relationship with golf.

    Basically, it's a half a**ed attempt at throwing something at the market before the game comes out.

    All the mechanics are a straight rip off from TW, with NO (and I mean NO) imagination whatsoever.

    It's fun, for about three holes. Then you realize the courses don't play right, there's no one else to play with (unless you want to try to get that going - an act of terror).

    All these idiots claiming that it's awesome because there's no gimmicks obviously never played anything on TW other than beginner mode. I'd say this game plays like amateur. And you can't change it.

    I want my money back. Giving it a 0.    … Expand
  6. frankel14
    Aug 22, 2014
    0
    I cannot recommend this game to anyone unless you're a bit of a gambler. It has lots of issues including lack of optimisation, sluggish frame rate (around 30fps) even on higher end systems, graphical glitches, GPU at 100% load throughout & mouse & keyboard control issues.

    Pre-release (early access) the game was much more playable & enjoyable. That was until the devs 'optimised' the    I cannot recommend this game to anyone unless you're a bit of a gambler. It has lots of issues including lack of optimisation, sluggish frame rate (around 30fps) even on higher end systems, graphical glitches, GPU at 100% load throughout & mouse & keyboard control issues.

    Pre-release (early access) the game was much more playable & enjoyable. That was until the devs 'optimised' the keyboard & mouse settings. Forget about playing a tournament using M/K against others using a controller. It won't be a level playing field. It's almost impossible to gauge your power on delicate shots. Putting is also massively flawed & will quickly lead to frustration.

    The game runs terribly for me (around 30fps) even at medium settings using a card that was mentioned in the recommended system requirements. I don't find that acceptable. I've even seen people with GTX780's having issues. The puzzling thing is that the graphics are very average even on high settings.

    I find it astonishing that some are giving this a 10/10 yet they admit to it having flaws.

    The annoying thing is that this could have been such a good game. Sadly, playing it just makes me end up feeling a bit flat. It's rather a dull experience.

    I'd advise waiting until it's under £10/$10 because it's not worth paying full price for in its current state.    … Expand
  7. SuckeredIntoTGC
    Aug 20, 2014
    0
    Never reviewed a game before, but got suckered into this thing.

    Followed the forums for awhile and noticed anyone who raised questions about the game basically got the banhammer. Figured it was because they were flat out lying. Ended up buying Early access with the assumption (as the devs kept promising) that the finished product would be WAY different. It's not. It is terrible    Never reviewed a game before, but got suckered into this thing.

    Followed the forums for awhile and noticed anyone who raised questions about the game basically got the banhammer. Figured it was because they were flat out lying.

    Ended up buying Early access with the assumption (as the devs kept promising) that the finished product would be WAY different.

    It's not. It is terrible and an embarrassment to say the least. Nothing works right, the graphics are TERRIBLE. TERRIBLE! This was even touted repeatedly that its a 'breathtaking' game. Zelda: A link to the past has more appealing graphics than this piece of junk.

    Combine that with a choppy swing that doesn't resemble a serious golfer and you've got yourself a pretty crappy game.    … Expand
  8. Royerrulz
    Aug 19, 2014
    2
    I gave it a 2 because you can play something that resembles golf.

    I have been skeptical of this team from the beginning. If you are a TW hater - that is, you hated the support that TW got, well this game is produced by the team that supported TW (up to now). And it shows. No functional multiplayer, terrible terrible physics, and really gimmicky course creator. The idea of the    I gave it a 2 because you can play something that resembles golf.

    I have been skeptical of this team from the beginning. If you are a TW hater - that is, you hated the support that TW got, well this game is produced by the team that supported TW (up to now).

    And it shows. No functional multiplayer, terrible terrible physics, and really gimmicky course creator.

    The idea of the course creator sounds pretty good in principle, but fire up a random course and... 9/10 times it's not actually playable. That is, you'll end up at a 430 yard par 4 with 20 yards of fairway in front of you, water for the next 350 or so, then some fairway and the green. So you're stuck, unless you want to chop 40 shots around the damn lake in the heavy rough.

    That's not the only thing that outright sucks though, as you'll find user created courses are even more diabolical. Wait till you get the flagstick that's elevated 100 yards. Also, there's cross platform sharing, so you'll get to sort through about 10000 of these by the end of week one. Good luck finding anything that resembles real golf in there!

    The real insult to injury though is the development team promising a very different game than what was available in 'early access'. It's the same game. Runs on the Xone at low settings. Trees blink in and out randomly. Weight graphics issues around the rough. Your player will stand upside down in the lake if your ball is in the right place.

    But don't worry, *someday* they're gonna fix it *WINK WINK*    … Expand
  9. Poker_Jake
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    I do not recommend at this time. Check back in a few months to see if HB studios has fixed the game. Very poorly optimized for pc, it's running at sub 30fps with i5-2500k at 4.5ghz, dual 7970's in crossfire, 8GB RAM. No career mode, or multiplayer.
  10. SickTiggre
    Aug 20, 2014
    0
    If you played early access on a computer that could barely run it, then expect more of the same. Poorly optimized for no good reason - graphics are basically 2 generations old. Yet, a gaming rig can barely handle it without melting down. Don't even get me started about the terrible golf mechanics. If you actually play golf, this game will piss you of to no end.

    As a rec golfer, about a    If you played early access on a computer that could barely run it, then expect more of the same. Poorly optimized for no good reason - graphics are basically 2 generations old. Yet, a gaming rig can barely handle it without melting down. Don't even get me started about the terrible golf mechanics. If you actually play golf, this game will piss you of to no end.

    As a rec golfer, about a 10 handicap, I hit the ball decently far. Probably carry about 10 yards further on each club than the in game golfer. That being said, I can easily stop the ball after the first hop on everything up to 3I. I have played TPC Scottsdale, Sawgrass, Boston, etc. It is still very easy to stop the ball. In game however, your 9I will roll out about 40-50 feet. That brings about a seriously artificial score inflation, as the core game is trivial, then you're left with 50-60 ft putts. Eventually you'll wise up and miss the green intentionally because it's pretty easy to hole out with a chip.

    A really shortsighted and poorly imaginative production out of this group. Not very surprising I guess.    … Expand
  11. ZOFF
    Oct 27, 2014
    3
    PRO:
    Course editor, Multi player

    CON:
    Need loads of polishing before this game become real golf simulation. Engine, graphic, variety of controls...
  12. Snk
    Sep 5, 2014
    0
    I do not recommend this game !
    On the screenshot it to look nice, but in reality it's ugly.
    The annimation are very slow. The game in general is not reactive !
  13. Lovemeonce
    Nov 26, 2014
    0
    The players move and address the ball in unnatural positions. It's pretty in spots, but that's it.. Game play is awful and almost unplayable at time. Save your money, this game isn't worth it. I cannot recommend this game
  14. ozthunder
    Dec 15, 2014
    2
    We have the sad situation where PC golf reached its pinnacle in 2007. It is now pushing towards a decade without anything better than EA Tiger Woods 2007. The Golf Club promised a lot, but delivered poorly. The whole game has the feel of a games that ran out of funding and was released I " what we have so far" state. Please can I have a game where I can play with friends or randomWe have the sad situation where PC golf reached its pinnacle in 2007. It is now pushing towards a decade without anything better than EA Tiger Woods 2007. The Golf Club promised a lot, but delivered poorly. The whole game has the feel of a games that ran out of funding and was released I " what we have so far" state. Please can I have a game where I can play with friends or random opponents in real time. A game where I can see their face, play four ball or alternate shot.… Expand
  15. MrDarrenJ
    Mar 22, 2015
    3
    I was very happy when first seeing the news that The Golf Club was coming out. I jumped on the early access in anticipation only to be hugely dissapointed. I have never written a review on here but feel obliged to now so people dont waste money on this bitterly dissapointing golf simulation. I have been a big avid fan of golf simulations for many years , enjoying Links 2003 and most latelyI was very happy when first seeing the news that The Golf Club was coming out. I jumped on the early access in anticipation only to be hugely dissapointed. I have never written a review on here but feel obliged to now so people dont waste money on this bitterly dissapointing golf simulation. I have been a big avid fan of golf simulations for many years , enjoying Links 2003 and most lately WGT for the past 4 years as it has been the only really option besides link. The Golf Club coukd have really filled a huge gap but instead fell flat on its face. Poorly optimised from the get go, unable to run smoothly on even the beefiest of machines ( no idea why as it aint graphically good).

    Then we have the ever changing sys req from beta to launch which was a kick in the teeth for people with low end pc's who had stumped up there cash only to be told by the game staff "were optimising it honest". Unfortunately that never transpired snd still to this day it runs at a crawl with almost slow motion club movement, pop up everywhere, texture issues, network issues, the list goes on.

    Then there is the small fanboy base of the game who ponder over the steam forums frantically looking for any negative feedback to pounce on. From the terribly optimised engine , shocking community, atrocious selection of things to do and finally the staff who clearly need to learn how to optimise a game and stop using the atrocious unity engine. Do not buy is the moral of the story.

    It is the worst golf game i have played in over 20 years of gaming.    … Expand
  16. geo12
    Jul 25, 2023
    1
    This game is so pathetically programmed its s joke. Balls curving uphill against gravity to miss the hole. Swing is so touchy you cant get better don`t waste your money tiger woods was the best

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. PC Gamer
    Nov 10, 2014
    70
    Admirably back to basics, eschewing fancypants gimmicks to focus entirely on the ancient, noble art of hitting balls into holes. [Holiday 2014, p.58]
  2. Vandal
    Nov 5, 2014
    79
    It is always risky launching a community-based game, but The Golf Club delivers a very solid experience, accessible, but also deep. There are many good ideas here, and we’re looking forward to see big, ambitious updates, or even a sequel that polishes and improves the overall experience.
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  3. SpazioGames
    Sep 16, 2014
    75
    The Golf Club is a pretty good golf game, that delivers a brilliant challenge that relies entirely on the multiplayer. It does not have a career mode, or a progression system of your own character, but this is not some sort of lack; this is not your regular Tiger Woods game: it's just another type of title.
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