Positives and Negatives

Unfortunately we don't see this game in the same light. But that's okay, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. 

Positives

-Graphics and realism are fantastic

The graphics are okay but pale in comparison to what we are seeing in new games using the Unreal 5 engine. As for realism... I don't think game is even close to playing realistic.

-Varieties of shot types

Yes, there are a large number of shot types but they don't really impact play. I would argue you can be just as effective using only 5 or 6 shot types.

-Play-by-play commentary

This feature doesn't work and is wrong more often than not.

-Addition of new courses over time

We will see, so far they have just fulfilled their commitment of what would be in the game. But if you want to compare against their main competitor they are seriously wanting.

-The sheer number of challenges that allow you to increase your skill set

I agree with this, but because of the poor play mechanics and poor decisions in selecting what a challenge comprises of, they are not fun to complete. The only reason I ever went through them was to get VC and XP, but once you max out your character there is no longer any point unless you are a completionist.

-Updating the challenges as the PGA Tour season progressed

I'll give you this, but who cares anymore?

-Adding some new features over time (one round tournaments, adding 60 fps, Ryder Cup mode)

No sure how most people would feel about this, I expected most of these feature on the day the game was released. And these new features have been wanting or incomplete. The Ryder Cup mode is a perfect example... it in no way captures the feeling of the event.

Negatives

-The ball spins back far too much on the green with almost any amount of wind in a player's face

I have no idea what to expect when hitting a wedge into a green. A delofted wedge, with the wind at my back into a green sloping away from me... and I still see the ball spinning back to me. Same shot into an uphill slope check and roll out. 

-Putts break far too strongly right off the putter when in real life putts break more at the end than the beginning 

I have yet to see a golf game that understand that the ball will skid before it gains traction and goes into a roll.

-The ball is not centered in the middle of the putter at address; why is the ball set up almost off the toe which makes for a weird visual alignment?

Now this one I do agree with, it actually bothers the heck out of me everytime I go to putt. If anything I would rather have seen the ball closer to the heel of the putter.

-Flop difficulty is much too easy (I know this is being fixed in a few days)

You forgot to add pick shot, spinner, etc... even lagging putts is ridiculously easy once you get a feel for what is hapoening.

-No driving range

First game I ever remember not having a Driving Range. And how about a short game area as well.

-No course creator

This wasn't promised, and wasn't expected by me. I don't consider it a negative.

-No retired players like Jones, Zaharias, Hogan, Nicklaus, Trevino, Lopez, Sorenstam which would have made the challenges more interesting instead of using only current players

Not sure how you can say this is a negative. Unless your expectations are that it would be as complete as their last game.

-Equipment and clothing cost way too much to acquire 

I have no issue with this, being able get what you want quickly just shortens the game.

So you can see I'm not nearly as positive as you are about this effort by EA. And I'm sure I am not alone, considering the lack of players participating in the tournaments. The game dying a quick death.