Luke Donald must finish inside the top 8 at this week’s RBC Heritage to remain No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Donald’s ranking is at risk, however, only because of idle Rory McIlroy.
The ranking is determined by dividing points earned over a rolling two-year period by the number of events played. For McIlroy, his total events played is dropping this week from 50 to 49, which increases his average this week.
Had it remained the same, Donald would remain No. 1 regardless of his outcome at Harbour Town despite losing some points earned for his runner-up finish here a year ago.