One of the most popular aspects of the PGA TOUR 2K series has been the diversity of matches and modes available. Whether it’s the fun of camaraderie and going toe-to-toe with friends at home in multiplayer mode, the unrivaled global interaction of entering matches and tournaments online, or the personal satisfaction of conquering the PGA TOUR in MyCAREER mode, PGA TOUR 2K has been long renowned for the diverse game modes it provides to virtual golf enthusiasts around the world.

Our latest release is no exception, with PGA TOUR 2K23 providing the richest selection of matches and modes yet. This year, we’ve enhanced the features of some of the most acclaimed modes from previous releases while adding some brand-new menus to further enhance the competitive thrill.

With so many different areas of the game to enjoy, we’ve put together this guide to provide insight into the different types of gameplay on offer.

Despite the plethora of interactive gameplay options in the modern day, the thrill of spending an evening competing with friends or family at home remains as popular as ever. 

Our Local Match mode caters to this demand by allowing you to play with up to three other guests at home. Players with limited controls are not restricted, as local mode allows you to choose to share one controller between you if necessary.

This pass-and-play game style does not require an online connection and is the perfect way to bring all the golfing action to the comfort of your living room. If you do have an online connection, however, you can access a wide world of user-created courses made by members of the Course Design community! For those home alone, our Local Match mode can still be enjoyed and experienced in single-player mode.

As the name suggests, our Private Match mode allows you to play online with selected players you choose to play with, and experiment with different rules, settings, and courses. This is perfect for times when you want to play directly against friends but are not in the same household. 

The in-game party allows you to select party members that you have invited. Room codes enable anyone to join, provided they enter the room with the correct password. You can create or join private matches from the main menu.

Casual matchmaking mode is a quick and easy way to compete online that eliminates the planning and preparation involved in devising or joining tournaments or private matches. Choosing this option will let you randomly match and play against other gamers around the world. Competitive ranked matchmaking will be coming out soon, so keep an eye out for this mode when it becomes available!

Casual Matchmaking offers six playlists to choose from, including Head-to-Head (1v1), Teams (2v2), Wagers (2-4 players), Quick Match (3 holes, 2-4 players), Divot Derby, or High Rollers (3 holes, skins, 1v1) options.

When playing in Local, Private, and Matchmaking rounds, there is an array of different game formats to select from. The biggest addition in PGA TOUR 2K23 is Sudden Death, an all-new tie-breaker system we’ve implemented to capture the intensity of the playoffs on the PGA TOUR. These options afford you greater variety when it comes to gameplay with a selection of shorter, quick-fix games and variations on point scoring.

Stroke Play (1 to 4 players)

Stroke play counts the number of strokes each player takes to complete the round. With multiple players, the person who completed the round with the least amount of strokes wins. You can also play alone to attempt and beat your best scores.

Stableford (1 to 4 players)

In Stableford format, you score points based on the number of strokes taken per hole. For example, you score eight points for a double eagle–otherwise known as an albatross—five points for an eagle, two points for a birdie, and minus three points for a double bogey or more. The player with the most points at the end of the round wins.

Match Play (2 players required)

Match Play is a 1v1 format. The golfer who makes the best score on each hole receives one point. The player with the most points at the end wins the match.

Skins (2 to 4 players)

This mode allows you to earn skins (in-game currency) from your opponents for every hole you win—or pay up for every hole you lose. The player with the lowest-scoring hole wins the skin. If two or more players tie, however, then no skin is awarded, and is instead, carried over to the next hole. The player who earns the highest payout by the end is the winner.

Four Ball (4 players required)

Four Ball is a ‘doubles’ style match where two players compete together against another team of two. The player with the best score on a hole earns a point for their team and the team with the most points wins the match. 

Alternate Shot (4 players required)

Alternate Shot uses the same 2v2 format as Four-Ball. In this mode, however, you must take turns sharing the same ball with your partner to reach the hole. Getting to the hole in fewer strokes earns your team a point, and the team with the most points wins the match.

Scramble (4 players required)

Scramble is another 2v2 format that lets each team decide which shots are better and then play from that location for each shot. The lowest number of strokes per team, per hole, counts toward the final score. Again, the team with the lowest score at the end of the round wins.

Divot Derby

Divot Derby is a fun and chaotic mode in which 20 players tee off at the same time, sending multiple colored golf balls flying through the air.

You’ll be transfixed as you’re pitted against the other participants all competing to be the first player to put the ball in the hole. The first golfer to make it to the ninth and final hole wins. However, if you get knocked out early, you can sit back and watch the madness unfold for the rest of the competition.

While it may be about as far away from the focused and calculated mindset of conventional golf as possible, the white-knuckle thrill of the Divot Derby is a thing to behold. This mode will bring you some frantic fun with a unique golf 'battle-royale' style gameplay unseen anywhere else.

Topgolf (1-4 players)

The immensely popular MyCAREER mode has been enhanced further in PGA TOUR 2K23 to create the most immersive and challenging virtual tour experience yet. This year sees the number of fully licensed courses expanded to 20 and the number of playable events increased to 33, alongside 14 fully licensed players to test your skills against. Select events in the schedule now have the option to swap host locations for fresh courses from a curated list of official and community-created courses.

This mode allows you to play matches with a storytelling element and a focus on leveling up to unlock rewards. Progression is essential if you want to enter certain events, as you will need to meet specific criteria before you’re allowed to participate.

As you progress through your career, you’ll be able to unlock sponsors and earn various performance-based rewards. Leveling up your sponsor and achieving objectives is also key to unlocking items.

Anyone who has played previous versions of the PGA TOUR 2K series will be well aware of our immersive Online Societies. This mode allows gamers to join and create their own leagues and play in various seasons, tournaments, and events with players across the globe.

This mode allows you to join up to ten societies at one time and compete against fellow society members in events set up by the admins.

Anyone can create a society, and when you do, you’ll have complete control of the member's list, events, and other settings including which members are granted admin rights.