The Loop
Five players who could take over top spot in the world ranking
AUGUSTA, GA. -- A major championship, a new green jacket, a lifetime invitation to the season's first major -- it's not as if players arrive at Augusta National short on incentive. And yet for five players this week, there's also a chance of ascending to the top spot in the world ranking.
According to Official World Golf Ranking guru Ian Barker, Martin Kaymer could be displaced as the world No. 1 by any of the following scenarios:
Phil Mickelson is one of five players who could supplant Martin Kaymer atop the world ranking this week. Photo by Getty Images
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Lee Westwood:__ Would take the top spot with a win.
__Phil Mickelson:__ Would take the top spot if he wins and if Kaymer is not alone in second.
Luke Donald: Would take the top spot if he wins AND Westwood is not alone in second AND Kaymer is outside the top three.
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Graeme McDowell:__ Would take the top spot if he wins AND Mickelson is not alone in second AND Lee Westwood finishes outside the top four AND Kaymer finishes outside the top 55 (or misses the cut).
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Tiger Woods:__ Would take the top spot if he wins AND Mickelson is not alone in second AND Westwood finishes outside the top three AND Kaymer finishes outside the top 18.
-- Sam Weinman