I haven't been excited for a specific video game to come out since I was a kid. The last one I can remember being stoked for was probably Wonder Boy in Monster Land on the Sega Master System (yes, it's been that long). I first played Tiger Woods PGA Tour on the Wii at Six Flags in Texas. I thought it was cool, but didn't really give it much more thought. But recently, Jenn's family came in to town, so we rented a few Wii games, including Tiger Woods 08. Needless to say, I really enjoyed it and I knew I was hooked.

This golf game is much more realistic than the golf included in Wii Sports both in game play and how you swing the Wii Remote. If you turn your wrist the wrong way, for example, you'll introduce a hook or slice into your shot. It's also pretty realistic when it comes to chipping and putting. The graphics are a step up, too, with tons of different courses and playing options.

Tiger Woods 09 comes out August 26th and I even delayed getting a birthday present so I could justify getting this game on release day. I'm particularly interested in this version of the game because you can now play online against friends and family, which means my brothers-in-law and I will be starting up golf tournaments that are just as intense and crazy as our Stickball league.

While I may not have tons of time to play with other life responsibilities, I still plan on improving my game by strutting around the golf course as Mike Weir (yep, I'm a lefty). You'll have to come over some time and give this game a whirl.