Tiger Woods 99 PGA Tour Golf is a golf simulator released for Windows by Electronic Arts in 1998; it was one of the titles that helped cement Tiger Woods' name in the world of sports video games. Going beyond merely using his image as a marketing tool, the game features Tiger himself as a playable character, a technical benchmark, and a guide for the player. Biographical details about his career appear throughout the experience, while his tips help players better understand the decisions and techniques required on the course.
Players can choose between Tiger Woods, seven other professional golfers, or a custom character created from scratch. This latter option allows for a personalized experience and lets players tackle matches with their own golfer—an especially appealing feature for those who prefer to progress at their own pace. Before starting, numerous parameters can be adjusted, such as difficulty, wind conditions, the state of the rough and greens, swing...
Tiger Woods 99 PGA Tour Golf is a golf simulator released for Windows by Electronic Arts in 1998; it was one of the titles that helped cement Tiger Woods' name in the world of sports video games. Going beyond merely using his image as a marketing tool, the game features Tiger himself as a playable character, a technical benchmark, and a guide for the player. Biographical details about his career appear throughout the experience, while his tips help players better understand the decisions and techniques required on the course.
Players can choose between Tiger Woods, seven other professional golfers, or a custom character created from scratch. This latter option allows for a personalized experience and lets players tackle matches with their own golfer—an especially appealing feature for those who prefer to progress at their own pace. Before starting, numerous parameters can be adjusted, such as difficulty, wind conditions, the state of the rough and greens, swing type, handicap, and the time limit for each shot.
The wide range of configurable aids allows the game to cater to both beginners and more demanding enthusiasts. Features such as the risk meter, aiming arc, power guide, putting lines, green caddie, mulligans, and Tiger's special vision can be toggled on or off. There are options designed to speed up gameplay—such as "Quick Play" mode—while others allow for a more measured, strategic simulation.
The game modes offer considerable variety for the time. In addition to practicing or playing a round of stroke play, players can participate in tournaments, skins games, shoot-outs, match play, four-ball, and foursomes. This variety alters the rules and the nature of competition, ensuring that no two rounds feel the same and offering options for both solo play and head-to-head matches against other players.
Thanks to the official PGA Tour license, *Tiger Woods 99* features three real-world courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links, TPC at Sawgrass, and TPC at Summerlin. Each course presents unique challenges, requiring players to consider wind direction, shot placement, and the behavior of the terrain. Although additional courses were sold separately, this initial selection provides a solid foundation for a golfing experience that is both technical and accessible, while offering a wealth of customization options.
