GDC '09: Hands on with Tiger Woods PGA Tour on iPhone

Underwhelming golf games are par for the course on the App Store, yet with Tiger Woods PGA Tour EA intends to swing the trend in a different direction. Taking a far more realistic approach to the sport, we went hands on with the game during Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Authenticity has long been a hallmark of the Tiger Woods franchise and that spirit continues in its iPhone debut. As you'd expect, Tiger himself is playable across the game's seven full courses. Other pros finding their way into the game include female golfer Annika Sorenstam, Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen. Additionally, you can create your own pair using two custom avatars.

Both the golfers and the locales are rendered in surprising detail, the characters possessing recognisable features and courses packed with authentic touches. Clouds above Pebble Beach move in a believable manner over the green as you take to your swing. The verdant stretches of grass are easily navigated with multi-touch camera controls, which makes planning shots a breeze. Running commentary from famed sportscasters Sam Torrence and Kelly Tilghman add to the realistic appeal.

Shots are taken via the touchscreen using a shot meter running along the right side. Tagged as 'tough-n-drag' swinging, you begin with your finger near the top of the screen, sliding it down and back up to the top swings your club. Naturally, the power at which you swing and the accuracy are dependent on how far you go down the power meter. It's an undeniably unique mechanic, although one that will take some getting used to before you're nailing birdies with ease.

The game supports hot seat multiplayer for two, allowing you and a friend to compete in turn-based style on the links. EA Mobile won't commit to local wireless or network multiplayer yet, but the potential benefit to the game's value is undeniable. Supporting local wireless play is something we'd strongly encourage the company to look into, especially considering the feature is found in other successful golf games such as Gameloft's Lets Golf.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour still has some time to go before it appears on the App Store, so there's a small chance that multiplayer can make it into the mix. Without it though, EA Mobile will still tee up a feature-rich game that goes much farther in capturing the realism of the sport than any golf game before it.