Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 (PC, EA, G)

By PETER ELEY

(Herald rating: * * * * *)

The great computer golf open is a two-game race these days, with EA's Tiger Woods title and Microsoft's Links still within a shot of each other after shooting it out for several years.

EA is probably the leader thanks to some enhancements in its 2004 release, particularly the ability to create a golfer who looks something like you, thanks to EA Sports' Game Face feature.

This lets you tweak facial features to get an approximation of yourself, and add a few designer elements, such as trendy sunglasses, label gear and skin ink.

It's fun, especially if you have a Mohawk haircut, Mongrel Mob-style body art and wear sinister sunglasses. Don't know if they'll let you on Augusta, though.

To an extent, that sums up much of the difference between Tiger Woods PGA Tour and Links. EA's game is aimed at a younger audience, while Links is one for the more serious golfer.

After all, isn't their star player old Arnie himself (Palmer, not Schwarzenegger). And you can bet your bottom dollar he doesn't have any ink on his skin.

Both games have uncannily accurate course maps, superb graphics and excellent golf simulations. It's hard to pick a winner. EA has chosen to go down more of a game route, as opposed to an all-out sporting simulation, with Tiger Woods 2004.

There is an all-new career mode where you unlock Game Face bonuses and play against real pros, such as Tiger, Vijay Singh and John Daly, and your success determines how much you will earn in prize money and how much you will attract in sponsorships.

You can play on 18 courses, although many are locked until you reach either champ, pro or tour level, which can be irritating.

But you do get to play PebbleBeach, Hawaii's Kapalua and the East Coast's TPC at Avenel course in amateur mode.

If 18 courses aren't enough, there is an architect feature which lets you recreate your own course. Ambitious and advanced users may want to try to recreate their home course.