PGA TOUR 2K23 Tips Guide: How to Become a Better Player

by Fernando Diaz / Game Guides, Tips & Tricks / 27 Jan 2022

Welcome to the premier PGA TOUR 2K23 Tips Guide, where you’ll gain all the knowledge needed to transform into a golfing virtuoso! (Or at least dodge embarrassment on the virtual greens.) Whether you’re a skilled pro or a total newbie, these pointers will help you refine your game and sidestep awkward moments (like when you end up in the water hazard…ouch!). So, grab your clubs, sport your finest golf attire, and get ready to embark on your journey to becoming the next Tiger Woods (sans scandal, naturally).

To kick things off, it’s crucial to grasp the various clubs at your disposal in the game. Drivers generate the longest distance, followed by woods, while hybrid, iron, and wedges are employed for shorter distances towards the green and for escaping bunkers and rough.

You can shoot using three different methods: the left stick, the right stick, and a 3-point system with buttons. The 3-point system features a meter for controlling shot direction and distance. Press and hold the A (Xbox) / X (PlayStation) button to initiate the meter, and release it once the meter fills the white space. You’ll then see two hands on the meter, moving counterclockwise. To stop the first hand, which controls shot direction, press the A/X button when the hand is near the small white space at the top of the meter. To stop the second hand, which determines shot distance, press the same button again when the hand is near the white space at the bottom of the meter.

If the analog stick method is more your style, initiate your backswing by holding the stick down and transition to your downswing by pushing the stick up. It’s vital to push the stick straight up for the correct ball direction, as any deviation might send your shot veering left or right. Now, let’s review some tips for enhancing your game in PGA Tour 2K23:

Always Factor in the Wind

Wind significantly affects your shots in PGA Tour 2K23. Examine the wind direction and speed before every shot, as they can alter your shot’s trajectory and distance. The wind direction and speed are shown by the arrow at the top-middle of your screen, with the accompanying number indicating wind speed in MPH.

Consider the wind direction when selecting your club. For instance, if the wind is coming from the left, opt for a club with a higher loft to compensate for the additional lift the wind provides.

Adjust your aim based on wind direction. If the wind is coming from the left, aim slightly to the right, allowing the wind to push your shot back towards the target.

Monitor wind speed when determining shot distance. A stronger wind will impact your shot more, requiring club selection and power adjustments.

Take into account the type of shot you’re hitting. A low, running shot will be less affected by the wind compared to a high, soaring shot.

Practice shooting in various wind conditions to understand their effects on your shots. This will help you develop a better sense of how to account for wind in different scenarios.

Remember, wind is just one factor to consider when hitting a shot in PGA Tour 2K23. Also, consider the terrain, shot type, and other variables that may influence your shot. By paying attention to all these factors, you’ll make more accurate shots and reduce your scores.

Changing Clubs

In PGA Tour 2K23, you can change clubs for every shot using the up or down arrows on the D-pad. This can help improve your lie, such as using a wood or driver to hit out of trees instead of an iron. It can also be helpful to use a driver off the tee box if the hole is too far away, as it may grant you extra yards with the wind’s assistance.

When to Add Spin

Incorporating spin into your shots can greatly affect your ball’s final position. To add spin, hold down LB or L1 and use the right analog stick to apply topspin or backspin. Adding spin can be particularly beneficial when chipping onto the green or when utilizing your driver, woods, or hybrids for extra yardage.

How to Change Loft

If you encounter obstacles like tree branches or rocks, you may want to alter the loft of your shot to hit over or under them. To adjust the loft, hold down LB or L1 and use the left analog stick to raise or lower the arch of your shot. You can also use the left analog stick to curve the ball around obstacles.

Utilize the Aiming System

The aiming system in PGA Tour 2K23 is useful for lining up shots and understanding ball behavior based on the club you’re using and the terrain. To use the aiming system, hold down LB or L1 and use the right analog stick to modify your shot’s aim. The red line on the ground indicates the direction & distance of your shot, while the red arrow on your golfer represents the direction & power of your swing.

Use the Right Clubs for the Right Situations

Each club in PGA Tour 2K23 has its strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to choose the appropriate club for each situation. For example, a driver is ideal for long shots off the tee, while a putter is best for short shots on the green. Experiment with different clubs to learn when to use each one for maximum effectiveness.

Learn How to Level Up Fast

One of the most efficient ways to level up quickly in PGA Tour 2K23 is to concentrate on maximizing your XP gains per round. One approach is to tweak the difficulty settings to find the balance between scoring well and earning substantial XP. The swing difficulty setting has the most significant impact on your XP multiplier, so consider setting it to pro or master level once you’re comfortable with the game. You can also increase your XP gains by completing course challenges and objectives in MyCareer mode, as well as by playing on short & easy courses or participating in daily challenges and Tour Pro events. Moreover, you can use the Boosts and XP Bonus features to temporarily double your XP gains or increase them for a set period. Lastly, always play to your strengths and strive for good scores, as this will grant you the most significant XP boost.

Swapping Archetypes to Cover Your Weaknesses

One of the great aspects of PGA Tour 2K23 is the ability to change your archetype for free and test different ones to find your preferred style. This can be especially helpful if you wanna improve a specific part of your game. For example, if you wish to enhance your putting, consider selecting the Greensman archetype.

The Greensman archetype is explicitly designed to excel at putting. It offers bonuses to your putting accuracy, speed, and control, which can help you sink those challenging putts and lower your scores. However it’s important to remember that each archetype has its strengths & weaknesses. The Greensman may excel at putting, but it might not be as strong in other areas like driving distance or approach shot accuracy.

Take Advantage of the Course Conditions

Course conditions in PGA Tour 2K23 significantly affect your shots, so consider them when choosing clubs and planning your shots. For example, wet or muddy conditions may necessitate using a club with more loft to get the ball out of the rough, while dry or firm conditions may allow for a lower-lofted club to gain more distance.

Learning Draws & Fades

Mastering draws and fades is an essential skill for any golfer to have in their repertoire. A draw is a shot designed to make the ball curve from right to left while a fade is a shot designed to make the ball curve from left to -> right. These shots are typically used to avoid obstacles such as trees or to direct the ball to roll in a specific direction upon landing.

For right-handed golfers, a draw is achieved by using a slightly inside-out swing path and a slightly closed clubface at impact. To hit a fade, the swing path should be slightly outside-in, and the clubface should be slightly open at impact. For left-handed golfers, the opposite applies: a draw is hit with a slightly outside-in swing path and an open clubface, while a fade is hit with an inside-out swing path and a closed clubface.

Executing draws and fades effectively requires precise timing and a consistent swing path. It can be a challenging skill to master, but it also provides a great deal of control and flexibility on the course. By learning how to hit both shots, you’ll be able to avoid obstacles and shape your shots to fit the specific conditions of each hole. So, if you’re looking to improve your game, make sure to practice hitting both draws and fades to give yourself an additional advantage on the fairway.

Master the Art of Putting

Putting can make or break your game in PGA Tour 2K23, as it’s often the final step to securing a low score on each hole. Spend time practicing putting on various types of greens and slopes to develop a feel for the speed and break of the green. Remember that the game provides a grid to help you visualize the slope, but ultimately, your success will come from your ability to read the green and adjust your aim accordingly.

Analyze Your Performance

To keep improving, it’s essential to analyze your performance in each round. Pay attention to the areas where you struggle and practice those specific skills. Are you consistently missing fairways? Work on your driving accuracy. Are you struggling with approach shots? Focus on your iron play. By identifying your weaknesses and addressing them, you’ll gradually improve your overall performance on the course.

Stay Mentally Strong

Golf is a mental game, and maintaining a positive attitude is crucial for success. Stay focused, visualize successful shots, and try not to let a bad hole or a poor shot affect your mindset. Shake off mistakes and move on to the next shot with a clear mind. Maintaining a strong mental game will help you stay in control and perform at your best throughout each round.

Fernando Diaz

Fernando is doing what he always did, sharing his honest opinions about games whenever he can. The difference is now he is writing and not talking about it.
View all posts