Since it’s launch a while back, the PSP launch titles included one of the most beloved pro golf franchises that is still being enjoyed on all three consoles. While it was great to see Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 on a handheld, it wasn’t exactly the most perfect version of the game. Well the new season is here and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 feels less like a rushed production and more like the game fans of the franchise, like myself, have been waiting to play on their new favorite handheld.

The 06 edition isn’t a vast departure for the series but it is a major improvement from the 2005 edition. Aside from the most noticeable changes, like sharper graphics and significantly shorter load times, the gameplay just feels a lot more solid. The result is a game that not only plays nearly perfect but also a lot more smoothly. And here we thought Hot Shots Golf was the best playing golf game on the PSP.

What is new is the Rivals Mode, a game mode that has you challenging real pros that include Tiger Woods. Starting from the bottom, you take your created golfer up the leaderboard, playing against fellow golfers until you reach the legends. You can play a traditional tournament or challenge a pro through a series of scenarios in Rivals Challenge. There’s even a Rivals Skins bonus that helps unlock extra cash to purchase new clothes and accessories at the Pro Shop.

Of the new features, Putting Frenzy is one of the best and most entertaining. Basically a race against the clock to sink as many putts before the time runs out. You can play the game as a single-player mode or as a multiplayer mode. The Pocket Caddy feature acts as your in-game guide with wind direction and speed indicator as well as a window that tells you how far you are from the pin. The putting controls have been improved to the point that you can easily read the green. The analog stick swing is a dream come true. Right off the bat it might not seem like a big difference but once you get the hang of it the analog stick gives the PS2’s analog swing a run for its money.

The Game Face feature is back and so is the Shot Selection options that allows you to choose between punch, pitch, flop, chip or full shots. Mastering the shot power is a question of adjusting your shot power and picking the right club for the appropriate situation. You can even control the ball in-flight, although that still hasn’t been perfected well enough. Also making its return are the various extras, especially the My Dream 18 that allows you to create your fantasy course using parts of various known courses for a round of 18.

There’s head-to-head multiplayer to be had here. Aside from the Party Play mode there’s a mode called Bingo Bango Bongo. Here the player with the most money wins by getting Bingo (longest fairway drive), Bango (first on the green) and finally Bongo (first in the hole). Good stuff indeed. 

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is also a better looking game, although not by very much. The 2005 game was very pretty but the visuals in this game are a bit sharper. The characters look a lot more detailed as well as the gorgeous courses (just look at Pebble Beach). There are also a nice variety of animations throughout the game, all of which make for game that looks a lot like the console version.

The game’s sound is handled beautifully once again as well, with commentary that’s good at pointing out your weaknesses as well as covering the match as it happens. The sounds of the game bring the sport to life whether it’s the sounds of your environment or the applause. The EA Trax are plentiful and not bad at all. Overall this is some good stuff.

There’s a lot to love about Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06. This is a true improvement in mostly every way and one of the most enjoyable games of golf to come out - next to Hot Shots Golf, of course. Still with improvements in the gameplay department as well as a great new game mode, it’s hard not to enjoy the action. Even if you bought the 2005 version, you can’t go wrong with buying this one.

Gameplay: 9.0
A vast improvement over the first PSP Tiger Woods game and the most accessible portable version that matches the greatness of the console version. Some gamers might have a gripe with the analog stick but for my money it makes swings even better than the PS2 game.

Graphics: 8.5
Sharp and crisp visuals makes the green look completely inviting and the golfers, especially Tiger himself, look amazing. The created golfers can be as detailed as you want but the choices are starting to look a bit slim, especially in the hair department.

Sound: 8.0
The commentary is perfect once again and you’ll swear you’re watching a professional game on television. All the little audible details are present and accounted for. The licensed tunes are just Ok.

Difficulty: Medium
Challenging the pros is like asking Mike Tyson to be your sparring partner … they will not go easy on you. Your skills will certainly be tested in this game.

Concept: 9.0
The PSP version might not be an exact duplicate of the console version but the modes featured here are good enough for the gamer on the go. There’s Wi-Fi multiplayer but no online play, what’s up with that?

Multiplayer: 8.0
Wi-Fi multiplayer allows you to play the game with a friend or four of them (using a single PSP) thanks to the Party Play mode. There’s also a head-to-head game called Bingo Bango Bongo that’s way too much fun. Putting Frenzy is a joy but no online play makes this putting pro cry.

Overall: 8.9
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 is the best portable companion a golf fan could ask for and the reason you’ll be seen with your PSP more often. The improvements over the launch title are immense but the overall changes to the gameplay mechanics just make this an addictive treat.