It also evolves the method in which an online multiplayer game is handled. Rather than standing around, waiting to take your shots in turn, up to four gamers can now play a course simultaneously. Coloured lines are drawn in real time as each player takes their shot – again, not at all intrusive – removing the unnecessary waiting around when playing a full 18 holes. Should you get to the hole first, you can enter a spectator mode and watch your buddies finish off their round. The dynamism this inspired method adds to the online play is quite superb, and highlights the idea that perhaps this latest Tiger game isn’t so much based on typical updates as an invigorating connectivity integration.

But this area is also the franchise’s bane. Considering the importance EA Sports is pouring into connectivity in Tiger’s new game, there are still pervading issues in using it effectively. Besides the server still failing to cope with the number of gamers it so readily invites into its parlour (even after more than a year in operation), the odious ‘purchase upgrades’ option is still there should you manage to log in. Buying upgrades and unlockables using Microsoft Points is immensely distasteful, as is the fact that EA would even sink so low as to offer it, so we can only hope that keeping the option available online, yet going unused, is costing the greedy devils more than it’s making.

Bugbears like this aside, what you really want to know is whether you need Tiger Wood’s PGA Tour ‘09 if you already own an earlier version of the prolific series, isn’t it? Here’s the best way to decide: If you already own one and it gets played a lot, you’re going to really feel the benefit of the small but vital improvements in this latest incarnation. If your copy of a previous PGA Tour game is just gathering dust, this isn’t going to change your opinions on high-end golf simulators. If you don’t have one at all, this is the perfect way to introduce yourself.