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Four players could take over No. 1 spot at Masters

  
Published April 1, 2014 07:02 PM
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Adam Scott had just pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career – maybe even the biggest – by capturing the 2011 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. But usurping Scott’s place in the immediate spotlight of the 18th green was his caddie, Steve Williams, who told CBS, “I’ve caddied for 33 years — 145 wins now — and that’s the best win I’ve ever had.” Considering that Williams had been the longtime looper for Tiger Woods and, before being fired, had carried his bag for 13 major championship wins, the comment seemed odd at best, spiteful at worst.

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While Tiger Woods sits out the Masters, as many as four players could have a chance to steal his No. 1 ranking at the year’s first major.

Adam Scott is the closest to Woods in the rankings, and he could rise to world No. 1 for the first time in his career if he finishes in a two-way tie for third (or better) at Augusta, according to Golf Channel world-rankings guru Alan Robison.

No. 3 Henrik Stenson needs 53 points to move into the No. 1 spot. Last year, the Houston Open winner received 56 points, so there is a strong possibility that the FedEx Cup champion could take over the No. 1 ranking with a victory this week. If he misses the cut in Houston, he would need a two-way for second or better at Augusta.

Other scenarios, which could change dramatically depending on Stenson’s play this week in Houston: Jason Day, who has been plagued recently by a thumb injury, could reach No. 1 if he wins the Masters. And No. 4 Phil Mickelson would need to go back-to-back – winning both Houston and the Masters – to ascend to world No. 1 for the first time.