Links golf is a different beast entirely when it comes to the game of golf and over the years, we’ve seen some truly remarkable shots on the famous links turfs in the UK.
Many of the world’s best players have produced moments of brilliance, usually to help them win out in The Open or other big events.
Players like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods – who was a master at keeping the ball under the wind – and others have amazed us over the years with their skill levels.
Still, many believe that when Cam Smith won the Open in 2022, he produced one of the best short-game shots of all time to get the job done.
Smith decided to putt from way off the green and go up and around the bunker in front before nestling in a par putt from around eight feet to maintain his one shot lead.
At the time, it was regarded as a moment of genius and rightly so.
But is it the best links golf shot ever? Not according to current PGA Tour star, Michael Kim.
Michael Kim disputes Cam Smith’s famous putt at The Open
Before anyone says anything to the contrary, nobody and even Kim himself are saying what Smith produced in ’22 wasn’t a moment of pure quality.
However, we’ve seen other players deliver when it’s mattered as well and none more so than Padraig Harrington in 2008.
Indeed, when Harrington pulled out a five wood on the 17th and put it to within four feet from 278 yards, it effectively won him The Open.
And according to Michael Kim, it is that shot that is the best he’s seen.
Padraig Harrington on the shot that was ‘impossible’ to recreate
Every so often, a golfer will hit a shot that is one in a million and that’s what Harrington did here in winning the 2008 Open.
He hit 5-wood off the tee, before hitting 5-wood again from just under 280 yards on the fairway and getting the ball to within tap-in distance.
Reflecting on the shot, Harrington has explained how it was simply impossible for him to recreate it due to the lie and conditions, as well as his adrenalin on the day.
The Irishman goes on to say it was one of the most ‘awesome’ shots he’s ever hit and in the end, it proved crucial as he landed another major win.
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