Links 2003 is a golf video game developed by Microsoft and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It is part of the Links series and was released for Microsoft Windows in 2002. It follows Links 2001 and was followed by Links 2004. The game includes six courses, a course designer, and four professional golfers: David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Sergio García, and Annika Sörenstam. Links 2003 introduces a golf swing method that works in real time as the player makes the shot. Links 2003 received "generally favorable reviews" according to Metacritic. Critics praised the graphics, the game physics, the multitude of game options, and the introduction of a real-time swing. However, the game's environments were considered to be stagnant and lifeless. Gameplay Links 2003 features six golf courses: Gleneagles, Ocean Club at Cabo del Sol, Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (New Zealand), Cambrian Ridge, The Tribute at Otsego Club, and the fictional oceanside location of Skeleton Coast set in Africa. Courses from previous Links games can be converted for play in Links 2003. Nine golfers are featured, including five generic characters. The game includes four professional golfers: David Toms, Jesper Parnevik, Sergio García, and Annika Sörenstam. The player has various options for customizing the golfer. Links 2003 also includes the Arnold Palmer Course Designer 1.5, allowing the player to create custom golf courses. The player can also add WAV sound files into the game. Game modes include best ball, match, Nassau, scramble, skins, and stroke. Also included is a career mode, in which the player works their way up from qualifying school to world champion. The Mode of Play Designer gives the player numerous options for customizing the various game modes. Several golf swing methods are featured, including traditional two-click and three-click options, and the PowerStroke option. The game introduces the Real-Time Swing (RTS), in which the player uses the motion of the computer mouse to simulate the swing, which is performed in real time as the player makes the shot. A colored grid and the Green Analyzer both aid the player when putting on the green. Links 2003 includes lessons for beginner players, and advice is offered throughout the game. Various multiplayer options were offered at the time of the game's release, including Microsoft Gaming Zone, and tournaments arranged between players through e-mail. In addition, the online Links Tour allowed the player to compete against up to 63 other golfers in tournaments.