Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003 (EA Sports PC)

By PETER ELEY

(Herald rating: * * * * *)

If anyone ever doubted that competition is good, a case study of Microsoft's Links and Tiger Woods' PGA Tour would settle the issue.

They are two of the best computer games around, an excellence fostered by head-to-head rivalry.

Microsoft unveiled its rebuilt Links 2003 a couple of months ago and, as well as superb graphics and an improved swing model, it featured New Zealand's Kauri Cliffs.

EA unleashed Tiger Woods 2003 shortly afterwards, and while it hasn't had as much of a makeover as Links, it is still a great game.

So which is the best? At the risk of standing accused of a cop-out, it depends what you want.

Links is a touch ahead graphically, and has Kauri Cliffs which will be a huge draw in this country.

But Tiger Woods has the man himself, the world's best golf course in St Andrews, a more complete tournament mode and is more of a game than Links.

Both are equal as golf simulations and both feature high-level course designers.

peter_eley@nzherald.co.nz