It was a golf shot at the time heard probably the length and breadth of the men’s golf world.
Lee Westwood’s senational second shot from 218 yards out using a 4-iron at the par-five 558-yard 9th hole, and his final round during the hosting of the 2003 Dunhill Links Championship at Kingbarns Links.
His albatross ‘2’ capped off a new Kingsbarns course record, 10-under par 62 and proved to be the springboard to a one-shot 21-under par victory for Westwood over Ernie Els.
Westwood was again reminded of his achievement in playing a practice round at Kingsbarns Links ahead in ending this year a seven-year absence in contesting this year’s $US 5m tournament.
THE SHOT OF HIS CAREER …
Lee @WestwoodLee @MajesticksGC relives the shot of his career, holing out for an albatross ‘2⃣’ for a 62 @KingsbarnsGL & then⛳️record. The shot pivital to in the 2003 @dunhilllinks
“The funny thing is that in playing @KingsbarnsGL back in… pic.twitter.com/GyTxkdcgB9
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) September 30, 2026
“It was probably one of the shots of my career with the shot all over the flagstick, and the shot pivotal in helping me win the touranment”, said Westwood.
“Though the funny thing is that in playing Kingsbarn back in 2003 I hit a 4-iron up the ninth but in playing the course yesterday, I played a 7-iron after my drive went way past the plaque that’s in place in the middle of the ninth fairway (smiling).
“I recall back in ’03 there was a lot of wind that day and that no doubt helped a lot”.
Westwood’s return the tournament this week is being celebrated in being joined fellow Dunhill Links champion Padraig Harrington, winner of the 2002 event, while their respective amateur partners are Ronan Keating with Westwood and Kieran McManus with Harrington. The fourball are out off first and off the opening tee at 9am Thursday from Carnoustie.
“It’s always nice to come back to where you are familiar and also have won the tournament”, he said.
“Everybody who plays here and the also the spectators enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
“It was also nice to receive the inviation from Johann (Rupert) after having been in contact and saying how much I would welcome returning to the tournament, and a tournament I probably won even though it was over 20-years ago.”
And as GolfByTourMiss spoke with Westwood closeby on the practice range was Harrington, and it prompted the following from a smiling Westwood: “It’s always nice to play with the Old Man. Ha, ha”.
Westwood then turning in Harrington’s direction shouting out: “Hey, Padraig? Hey, Padraig? I am doing an interview with Bernie and saying ‘it’s always nice to play with the old man'”.
Harrington responded also smiling: “Okay fellow old man. We’ll see tomorrow who’s the oldest!”
