Chronicle EditorLONDON. — Tiger Woods has stayed atop the world golf rankings despite his continued absence from competitive golf following back surgery.
The 38-year-old US superstar was treated for a bulging disc in his spine in late March and subsequently pulled out of the Masters, the first of the year’s four majors.He is in serious doubt for the US Open at Pinehurst in mid-June with reports saying he could be targeting a return to action at the British Open which starts at Hoylake, near Liverpool, on July 17.
In the meantime his main rival for the top spot, Australian Adam Scott, took time off, while third-placed Swede Henrik Stenson closed the gap slightly with a tie for fifth in the China Open.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has confirmed his participation in next month’s BMW PG Championship at Wentworth, outside London, seeking to win the European Tour’s flagship event for the first time.
The Northern Irishman, a two-time major winner, has bounced back to near top form this year following a disappointing 2013 and has three top 10 finishes in five European Tour appearances in 2014.
But he is aware that to date he has struggled at Wentworth in a tournament won last year by another young gun, Italy’s Matteo Manassero.
“The BMW PGA Championship is always one of the highlights of the year and it is a title we are all keen to win,” said McIlroy, who won the US Open in 2011 and US PGA Championship in 2012.
“I’ve been a little hit and miss at Wentworth in recent years, but I think this year my game is in much better shape going into the tournament, so I’m feeling confident about my chances of performing well there.
“With it being The European Tour’s flagship event, it is a big week for everyone involved and there is always a great atmosphere. Some of the greats of the game have won the title over the years and it would certainly be nice to join them on the Championship’s 60th anniversary.
“Wentworth always kicks off the golf season in Europe, leading up to The Open Championship, and hopefully a good performance there can launch a successful summer for me.”
McIlroy is the latest star attraction to confirm his participation in the tournament joining players such as US Open Champion Justin Rose, Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter, two-time runner-up Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Race to Dubai winner Henrik Stenson.
Latest World Rankings
1. Tiger Woods (USA) 8.46
2. Adam Scott (AUS) 8.18
3. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 8.00
4. Bubba Watson (USA) 7.35
5. Matt Kuchar (USA) 7.14
6. Jason Day (AUS) 6.70
7. Jordan Spieth (USA) 6.02
8. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 5.90
9. Phil Mickelson (USA) 5.85
10. Justin Rose (ENG) 5.80
11. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 5.74
12. Zach Johnson (USA) 5.47
13. Dustin Johnson (USA) 5.24
14. Graeme McDowell (NIR) 4.44
15. Steve Stricker (USA) 4.33
16. Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 4.29
17. Luke Donald (ENG) 4.22
18. Jason Dufner (USA) 4.17
19. Keegan Bradley (USA) 4.13
20. Ian Poulter (ENG) 4.13. — AFP.
Online Reporter