It's true- A Tiger never changes his stripes.
The control scheme has been streamlined and allowed to be more accessible, and with coaching from Hank Haney, Tiger's actual coach, it feels like a more rewarding experience that you are getting to learn how to play the game properly. Other times Hank Haney does feel a lot like an elaborate instruction manual of how to play golf, and that's what it feels like you're paying for.
The game looks very good, especially the character models, but unfortunately the courses look extremely dull and totally uninteresting. At least Everybody's Golf had lush looking courses compared to the mountainous greenery of Woods 09. Then again, the courses compliment the overall feeling of the game, utter slog and monotony.
Yes, it has a create your own player option. Yes, it has licensed courses, kit and clubs but it had all of this last year, so where's the incentive to buy the update. Are we supposed to buy just because it's newer? Unlike football, not much happens within a year of golf so why the update? Because golf is thrilling and exciting sport? No, don't be so daft.
Overall, Woods 09 has what Woods 07 had, arguably the best in the series. With the inclusion of Hank Haney it is nice touch but after 15 minutes spending time with him, you want to club him round the face with your pitcher. And he does feel like a glorified instruction book. Tiger needs some invigoration as EA have taken a dull sport and portrayed it as a dull sport. Again.