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Lee Westwood wins incredible closest-to-the-pin challenge in Dubai
By Derek Evers
Sure, Tiger Woods can hit a golf ball from Asia to Europe, but could he hit a ten-yard by six-yard green that's 300 below his feet? That was the task at hand yesterday for Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, David Howell, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, who took part in a closest-to-the-pin contest from atop the Atlantis Resort in Dubai.
Lee Westwood of England celebrates after hitting the green as Martin Kaymer of looks on. Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
The promotional challenge, in preparation for the DP World Tour Championship, saw the five contestants hitting balls from the Royal Bridge Suite on the 22nd floor, down to a floating green 235 yards away in the Arabian Gulf. Each contestant was given ten attempts, with Lee Westwood hitting it the closest -- a remarkable four feet away given the circumstances. The winning shot was confirmed by Ian Poulter, who was on the beach in pink swim trunks before making his way to join the official referee in delivering the verdict.
''It was great fun," Westwood said. "I like challenges like this at the start of a week and today's one certainly focused the mind with such a small target in the lagoon. I was fortunate to get the right club -- a 7-iron -- and I manage to catch it perfectly.''
Westwood received a trophy for his victory, along with a special luxury package that includes a five-night stay in one of the ocean-themed Atlantis Underwater Suites. You can watch the video below for more highlights.