PGA Tour Golf

Sterling Silver Software

Industry	Video game development
Headquarters	United States
Products	PGA Tour Golf

PGA Tour Golf marks the inaugural title in the PGA Tour franchise, developed by Sterling Silver Software and initially launched in 1990 for MS-DOS. Originally distributed by Electronic Arts, EA subsequently released versions for Sega Genesis and Amiga in 1991, followed by a SNES edition in 1992. By 1994, Tengen had taken over publishing duties for the Sega Master System and Game Gear adaptations. The game was praised for its authentic gameplay, sound design, and camera work, with many reviewers ranking the computer editions among the finest golf simulations available at that time. It was later succeeded by PGA Tour Golf II.

Gameplay

Within PGA Tour Golf, players can explore three authentic courses: PGA West, TPC Avenel, and TPC Sawgrass, alongside a fictional course named Sterling Shores. The game offers several modes including Tournament, Driving, Putting, and Practice. Tournament mode pits players against 60 invisible competitors, with scoreboards tracking all statistics. Players have the option to view replays of their shots, especially highlighting successful ones automatically. Wind conditions fluctuate dynamically, influencing ball flight.

Prior to each hole, a 3D camera sweeps from the target hole back to the player's position, supplemented by an overhead map displayed before each hole and after every stroke. Upon reaching the putting green, a 3D contoured grid appears to assist players in evaluating terrain slopes for putting strategy. Advice from PGA professionals is integrated during gameplay. Multiplayer functionality is available on the Amiga and Master System versions. Additionally, a 1994 U.K. reissue of the Amiga version incorporated three courses from PGA Tour Golf II plus three additional tournaments.

Development and release

American developer Sterling Silver Software created PGA Tour Golf, which Electronic Arts first published for MS-DOS in July 1990. In 1991, EA expanded availability with releases for Amiga and Sega Genesis (Mega Drive), launching in the U.S. in April and reaching the U.K. market the following month. A Macintosh edition was also introduced in the U.S. by late 1991.

The SNES version was released by Electronic Arts in the U.S. in March 1992, followed shortly by a U.K. launch. By 1994, publishing responsibilities for Sega's Game Gear and Master System versions shifted to Tengen, with the Master System version being a conversion of the Genesis game. In the U.K., The Hit Squad re-released Amiga editions in both 1994 and 1996, while Guildhall issued another Amiga re-release in 1997.

The soundtrack was composed by Rob Hubbard.

Reception

Critical response to the computer editions was largely favorable, with many reviewers deeming it the premier golf simulation available upon release. Accolades were directed at its realistic graphics—including ball physics and wind effects—as well as its sound quality and diverse gameplay options. Camera angles received commendations, while Amiga and Genesis versions were noted for their rapid loading times.

Amiga Action emphasized features that extended appeal beyond traditional golf enthusiasts. Phil Campbell from Australian Commodore and Amiga Review considered it superior to Mean 18, citing improved visuals, course perspectives, and gameplay options.

The One (magazine) awarded both DOS and Amiga versions a high rating of 92%, describing it as an "excellent conversion" that skillfully balanced realism with accessible play despite minor drawbacks such as choppy 'fly-by' camera sequences and frequent disk access—which could be disabled. The publication labeled it "the best golf game currently available."

Sandra Foley of Amiga Computing praised its simulation authenticity but noted limitations in graphics, sound quality, and absence of female golfers. Amiga User International favored its replay features but found Hubbard’s musical score somewhat irritating. Amiga Power described it as an easy-to-learn yet addictive title and a fitting successor to Leader Board, though lacking significant innovation. ACE highlighted its appeal to both seasoned golfers and casual players.

Console reviews were mixed: Raze lauded presentation but preferred the more accessible Genesis edition; Mean Machines favored Genesis due to multiplayer capabilities; VideoGames & Computer Entertainment praised Genesis realism but found its graphics inferior compared to rivals; AllGame acknowledged realism but criticized graphical shortcomings; Electronic Gaming Monthly complimented Genesis sound quality but had divided opinions on visuals; SNES versions generally received middling or below-average ratings because of graphics and control issues.

U.K.'s Super Play criticized SNES color palette, camera work, and ball physics yet acknowledged gameplay enjoyment comparable to computer versions. N-Force pointed out inconsistent swing mechanics and uninspired visuals but commended smooth ball animations.

The Master System edition was regarded by Mean Machines as Sega's top golf title despite slow screen redraws. GamePro described the Game Gear version as average with minimal sound effects and repetitive courses; meanwhile, Game Players criticized its gameplay accuracy relative to Genesis.

In October 1992, Mega (magazine) ranked PGA Tour Golf tenth among all-time Top Mega Drive Games. By 1994, PC Gamer UK placed it as the 48th greatest computer game ever made, emphasizing its enduring quality despite aging technology.

Amiga re-releases

Critics pointed out that the graphics in the Amiga re-releases appeared outdated, with some reviewers favoring PGA European Tour over them. The One described the 1994 edition as a "superb" and "much-needed" reissue, attributing its appeal to being an authentic golf simulation. Stephen Bradley from Amiga Format commended the inclusion of additional courses and the intuitive gameplay, ultimately stating that despite its visuals falling behind rivals like Nick Faldo's Championship Golf and the Links franchise, PGA Tour Golf "continues to be one of the Amiga's most engaging and enduring titles."

The gameplay features received positive remarks from Amiga Power. Tony Dillon of CU Amiga recognized the game’s pioneering role in computer golf but commented that its control scheme had become "awkward and less comfortable," highlighting its dated mechanics.

By 1996, Steve McGill writing for Amiga Format noted that although the graphics were no longer modern, the game preserved a "classic charm." In 1997, Martin Davies from CU Amiga endorsed it as a "must-have for all enthusiasts of golf and sports," appreciating its diversity, user-friendliness, and lasting entertainment value. Additionally, Amiga Computing praised the game’s simple and accessible play style.