Tiger Woods made it (of course). Max Homa made it (expected!). So did Matt Fitzpatrick (hmph!). But Scottie Scheffler didn’t (really!?). Well, the PGA Tour 2K studio released the cover of their latest installment, and it featured these three PGA Tour pros, but not Scottie Scheffler, the current world no.1. 

This is the third installment of the franchise. Previously, Tiger Woods was on the cover of the 2K23 edition. Whereas, Justin Thomas was featured in the 2K21 edition. The choice of Homa and Woods for this edition was somewhat understandable. They both are popular and also part of the same TGL franchise, Jupiter Links Golf Course.

In fact, Tiger Woods topped the PIP list – the PGA Tour’s way of rewarding the top draws – surpassing Scottie Scheffler. This also agitated fans. Scheffler, on the other hand, topped the Google search data, i.e., the reigning Masters champion was the most searched golfer on Google this year. 

But picking Fitzpatrick, ahead of others, was lost on golf fans. More so, when the current world no.1 doesn’t feature on that cover as many exasperated fans voiced their frustration on social media. 

How fans reacted won’t please the PGA Tour developers

“I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it absolutely wasn’t Matt Fitzpatrick,’ the first comment under a Reddit announcement post read. That was also the prevalent sentiment as fans questioned the former US Open winner’s inclusion. The British icon has two wins on this side of the Atlantic but is not the most popular face on the Tour. 

But here is the deal. Fitzpatrick is officially sponsored by 2K. Two years ago, the game developers added his avatar to the simulation game. Moreover, from the tweets during the release of the new addition, it’s evident that the makers of the video game wanted to add a European Ryder Cupper to the cover. 

However, it’s not just Fitzpatrick. Some fans were surprised, and even a little miffed, to see Max Homa. “Homa’s face is everywhere these days. Sheeeeesh,” one fan commented. The six-time PGA Tour winner has grown as one of the most popular golfers on the Internet. Thanks to his witty tweets and frequent tongue-in-cheeks, the 34-year-old golfer is famous among non-golf audiences too.

“If he wins a major this year, I think his popularity will really explode. His Twitter use has already made him popular to some major only fans,” explained one user. Homa, actually, was the 10th most popular PGA Tour pro last year, earning a $5M PIP bonus. However, this year he wasn’t in the top ten.

Woods, on the other hand, has barely played this year. But it’s clear that the 15-time major champion is still a needlemover. The PNC Championship recorded a massive viewership surge as Woods teed off with his son, Charlie. “Golf still milking Tiger for all he’s worth is pretty funny,” one user quipped.

Whereas others were less concerned about the golfers on the cover. One fan commented, “could not care less who is on the cover; why would they announce a game with zero other information other than a cover?” The initial cover released wasn’t followed by any subsequent update. However, more updates on the new features and release dates are expected on Tuesday.

This is Max Homa’s debut in the franchise. Meanwhile, Woods and Homa will face off against Los Angeles Golf Club in their TGL debut on Tuesday night. Fitzpatrick, part of the New York Golf Club, lost against The Bay on the opening night.