As anyone who plays 18 weekly with friends can tell you, the bond between golfing buddies is almost familial. So, too, it appears, is the bond on the virtual golf course. Electronic Arts and the PGA Tour today announced that they have extended their licensing deal an additional six years.

　　Electronic Arts, publisher of the popular Tiger Woods PGA Tour golf games, has been making PGA Tour-licensed games for the last 15 years. Today's deal extends the contract through 2012.

　　"The PGA Tour is excited to continue our relationship with EA," said Ed Moorhouse, PGA Tour executive vice president. "Our video game provides a great entry into golf for kids and allows our brand to reach multiple generations throughout the world."

　　It appears that Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2012 is almost a certainty. Earlier this year, EA also extended its licensing agreement with golfer Tiger Woods an additional six years.

　　EA is publishing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 this October for the Xbox 360, Xbox, PlayStation 2, PSP, and PC. PlayStation 3 and Wii Tiger Woods PGA Tour games are also in development. For more on the 07 edition, head over to GameSpot's previous coverage.