Is it possible that Adam Scott will take over as world number one? His play at the Arnold Palmer Invitational is nothing short of fantastic. After the second round, Scott will have an 7 shot lead and if he continues to play well, he should take over as the number one golfer in the world. But…..
ABC reports :” The complex world ranking system assigns points to an event based on the current world rankings of those playing and while official projections are not computed until all players begin the event it appears a win for Scott would still leave him fractionally short of Woods.
Had Day been able to play, a win for Scott in Woods’s absence would have most likely been enough to take the top spot.
Regardless, a win would at the very least get him close enough to pass Woods at the Masters with a higher finish than the American, even if he did not defend.”
Does this seem fair? It is very difficult to determine how the world rankings are calculated. I have tried to follow the process, but I am always tripped up by the ‘strength of the field’ and ‘head to head’ competition. I am sure the golfing experts use an algorithm that would stump Albert Einstein, but it seems to work for them. Regardless, Adam Scott is playing outstanding and if he stays focused, should cruise to a win at Palmer’s tournament.
On a side note, I wanted to point out a statement by Adam Scott posted by White Dragon Golf: ” I made a lot of putts today, and a lot of putts from considerable length. I hit a lot of nice shots, too, but it wasn’t like I was hitting it four feet. ….” Scott’s comment reinforces the recent discussion on focused putting and breaking 100 with consistency. An amateur’s and professional’s short game can be the difference between an average score and a great score.
As the this weekends event unfolds, Should Adam Scott be crowned world number one if the wins the Arnold Palmer invitational?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
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The TV guys were predicting that the next five years were going to be the most productive for Adam Scott. I think they have forgotten that next year he will have to change that broomstick putter, it will be interesting to see how well he does with a conventional putter.
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Pete
You are so right. It will be interesting to see how he does.
Cheers
Jim
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Jim, the odd thing about the world golf rankings is that it doesn’t matter who’s #1. Top guy has a nice feather in the cap but what it’s really about is winning majors. What’s very important is staying in the top 50 because of all the automatic invites to the big tournaments. Weird that the farther down you go the more meaning it has. Thanks! Brian
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Brian
True, but I would suggest that being the #1 does generate more money for appearance fees. Additionally, it is time for a change. I personally would like to see some else at the top. Time for some new blood. Your point about the world rankings being more important from 40-60 is so true, but we rarely hear about those guys.
Cheers
Jim
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Jim, most ranking polls are opinion-based and evaluate current strength of team or individual. Golf is different and if the golf writers were voting on this one instead of being algorithm driven, Tiger would probably be out of the top 20. So the rankings at the top are almost meaningless. At least I don’t pay them much mind. If you asked Adam Scott if he’d be fine remaining #2 but give him a win in The Masters and U.S. Open, he’d make that trade in a second. The appearance fee money is nice but that’s primarily for European Tour. If you want to be the best you can be, you have to compete with the best in the world on the PGA Tour, where there are no appearance fees. Players like McIlroy and Donald have figured that out and relocated to the U.S. But if you’re still in need of a change, the wait wont be long. Tiger’s body is breaking down; he can’t sustain and will be off the throne very soon. Enjoy the Scott victory this weekend! Brian
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Brian
You are making this whole situation a little clearer. Thanks.
Cheers
Jim
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