Tools for this page
Print

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09

(2008, Video Games - Sports, Rated E, Play it on: PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Accessible yet deep (and attractive) golf game.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    More so than in past games in the series, this version gives you tips on how to play golf.
  • Messages:

    Men from the PGA and women from the LPGA are both in the game.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Tiger's sponsors, such as Nike, can be seen in the game on apparel.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 was written by Marc Saltzman

Parents need to know that this is a golf simulation game. There's no controversial content, but you can play online. Common Sense Media doesn't recommend kids under the age of 12 playing online unsupervised. Both women and men golfers are represented in the game.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about whether the new features -- such as a pro coach, club tuning, new online modes, and additional golfers and courses -- justify the $60 price tag if you already own last year's version. Do game publishers, such as EA Sports, expect players to buy a "new" game every 12 months? Which golf course is your favorite and why?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09

What’s the Story?

While EA Sports' TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 09 is similar to last year's golf simulation -- in fact, on the surface it might seem like the same game -- the folks at EA Tiburon in Florida added a golf cart-full of new features to justify the purchase.

For one, wannabe pros can now have their very own coach -- Tiger Woods' real-life instructor, Hank Haney, no less -- who will analyze your performance and suggest areas of improvement. And for those who want more control over their shots, they will enjoy the optional Club Tuner feature that allows players to tune their individual driver, wedges, irons, and woods to get the most out of every club. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 also offers a few new online features. One is a few bonus "instant challenges," such as long drive, approach shots, and putting, earning players GameNet points to increase their rank on the leaderboard. Even more impressive, however, is a new multiplayer mode for up to four players who want to engage in a round of golf simultaneously. Yes, now you no longer have to wait for your buddies to take their shot -- you can just watch their colored ball trails in the sky while you tee up for your shot. New courses and golfers are also packed into this new console game (regrettably, there isn't a PC version for the first time in the series). The 16 exotic locations include these new additions: Sheshan Golf Club in China, Gary Player Country Club in South Africa, Wentworth Country Club in England, Wolf Creek in Nevada, and Bay Hill Country Club in Florida. Si Re Pak, Nick Dougherty, Darren Clarke, and Rory McIlroy join the ranks for virtual golfers. Close

Is It Any Good?

The game makers did a great job tweaking the controls to making them even more accessible. You can hit the ball in one of two ways: the main control scheme is using the controller's dual analog sticks, where the left stick is pulled back and then pushed forward to hit the ball. Players can also opt for the classic "tri-click" method found in older golf games. The Nintendo Wii version, which is another game altogether called Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09: All Play, takes advantage of the Wii's motion-sensing remote.

All of these new features such as a pro coach, club tuning, new online modes, and additional golfers and courses make this version a deep yet accessible golf experience. Players will find EA Sports is not resting on its laurels with its untouchable golf game -- instead, they've managed to not just improve last year's version but add significantly to it. As in real life, Tiger Woods crushes the competition and is in a category all its own. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 08/27/2008, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Everyone (No Descriptors))

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name