Woods takes aim at McIlroy and No. 1 ranking
- By Randall Mell
- Jan 28, 2013 9:28 PM ET
SAN DIEGO – Tiger Woods craves major championships more than any other prize in golf, but he wants to be No. 1, too.
“Of course it’s important to him,” said Joe LaCava, Woods’ caddie. “Who doesn’t want to be the top dog? If you want to be No. 6, you’re probably in the wrong business.”
With his victory Monday at the Farmers Insurance Open, Woods strengthened his position at No. 2, while cutting into No. 1 Rory McIlroy’s lead.
Video: Chamblee trying to make sense of Tiger's week at Torrey
Going to Abu Dhabi last week, McIlroy had a 12.36 world-rankings average, 4.20 points ahead of Woods. Woods carved a point off winning at Torrey Pines, moving to within 3.14 average points.
Woods reigned as No. 1 longer than anyone in the game, holding the top spot for 623 weeks. He lost the top spot to Lee Westwood in October of 2010.
Two or three more victories should help Woods catch McIlroy if McIlroy doesn’t answer. Woods said winning will take care of those kinds of things.
“That happens through a product of winning golf tournaments,” Woods said. “That’s how I got there in the first place. That’s how he got there. It’s winning, being consistent . . . In order for me to get back there, that’s what I’ve got to do.”
Related Articles
Back-nine 41 dooms McIlroy's opener at Wentworth
by Golf Channel Digital | May 23, 2013 12:14 PM ETRory McIlroy squandered a promising start to the BMW PGA Championship on Thursday. Read More
Serg Protector
by Ryan Lavner | May 23, 2013 10:46 AM ETNot that Sergio Garcia is going to #AskLav, but here is some unsolicited advice to save him from himself: Stop talking. Read More
U.S. Women's Open sectional qualifying results
by Golf Channel Digital | May 22, 2013 12:02 PM ETSectional qualifying results for the U.S. Women's Open to be contested June 27-30 at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. Read More
Mell, a senior writer, is a 30-year veteran and covers the PGA and LPGA tours for Golf Channel.
Latest News
- Euro chief: Sergio has several 'colored' friends
- Garcia calls O'Grady's remarks 'unfortunate'
- Zoeller expects Garcia controversy to 'blow over'
- Sergio's 'chicken' jab | Apology | Tiger: Hurtful
- Palmer answers challenge | At a glance | Scores
- Stars stumble in BMW PGA | 41 by Rory | Scores
- Grill Room: Trevino regrets 'Happy Gilmore' cameo
- USGA, R&A ban anchored stroke | Explanation
- Anchor lawyer: Hope for best, prepare for worst
- Haas, Waldorf co-lead Sr. PGA Champ. | Scores
- LPGA Bahamas going 12 holes in Rd. 1 | Tee times
- Tip of the Week: Stop scooping your chip shots
