It's a bugger of a game, this golf. Exceptionally rewarding one moment, spirit-crushing the next. This latest virtual version from EA Sports is no different in that respect, but the number of game modes on offer, and comprehensive array of gameplay aids will easily satisfy all tastes. These aids can be turned on or off to suit, so it's really up to you as to how steep you want the learning curve to be and how big a challenge you're looking for.

Visually, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor, at least initially anyway. The player models themselves have more detail, but the courses are about the same; that is to say, they're excellent. It's subtle differences like the player animations and weather effects where you notice improvements. The new create-a-golfer mode, called "Game Face", also adds to the visual impact, but we'll talk about that a bit later.

One of the first things you'll notice about Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004, is the number of courses. From around a dozen in 2003, to some 20 in this version. Make no mistake; this is a major improvement. Even if this was just a run-of-the-mill golf game where the only mode available to you was standard stroke-play, you'd still get an enormous amount of longevity out of it. Combine this great line up of courses with the many differing game modes available, and we're talking endless fun to be had.

All the favourites are back - St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Poppy Hills to name a few, but also newbies like the Kapalua Plantation Course in Hawaii. No kiwi courses, which is hardly surprising considering New Zealand is but a tiny minnow in the vast ocean that is international golf. As the courses featured are from all corners of the globe, they're noticeably different from one another. Climatic changes dictated by location also play a part. Don't expect the Royal Birkdale course in Northern England to be awash with blazing sunlight for instance.

There is also the facility for you to create up to three courses of your own using holes from any course that has been unlocked. This is a great way of working on any holes you're having problems with, and also perfect for creating a course consisting of nothing but your favourites. "Tiger's Dream 18" can also be unlocked – a full 18-hole course picked by the man himself. All up, there are 14 genuine courses from the PGA Tour, plus six 'fantasy' courses to unlock. As you can imagine, it'll be some time before you unlock them all.

Other improvements over previous versions include weather that affects your shots more noticeably. If it's wet, the ball almost stops dead when it hits the ground. Tree-lined courses are relatively sheltered, but once the ball gets above the treetops it's susceptible to being blown off course (excuse the pun). Those who have actually played a real game of golf will know that this is how it is. Those who haven't; trust us!