Player Talk

This week’s player profile focuses on the current debate over world a golf ranking, which is raging amidst the ever-changing title-holders of the world number one position. In recent months golf fans have been following the world number one title intently. The first significant power shift in world golf occurred when current number one Lee Westwood of Britain overtook golfing great Tiger Woods, who had held the title for over 200 weeks. Westwood’s ascent to world number one was celebrated by some commentators who heralded a new and exciting era in world golf, but soon enough stormy weather was on the horizon as he was dethroned by Germany’s young rising star Martin Kaymer.

No to be outdone, Westwood resumed the chase for world number one and reclaimed the throne two weeks ago. In addition to Kaymer and Westwood, Britain’s Luke Donald has his eye on the title and is regarded by many as a keen contender for world golf’s top spot. The heightened competitions for world number has excited golf fans around the globe, but have also sparked a debate over the golf ranking system.

No knowledgeable golf commentator would suggest that Lee Westwood is anything but a top class golfer, yet some have questioned Westwood’s fitness for the top position in world golf considering he has not yet won a major. With Westwood’s fans and close colleagues on the US and European tours coming to his defence, others have questioned the nature of the world golf rankings. A golfer’s position in the world rankings depends on his performance over the past two years and is calculated as a rolling average.

Last week, six time major winner and compatriot Nick Faldo tweeted his concerns over the ranking system. While congratulating Westwood on his success, Faldo suggested that winning a major should count for more in the rankings than is currently the case. Dustin Johnson of the USA and South Africa’s Ernie Els, a former world number one, have come out in defence of Westwood – with Els urging him to win a major and silence his critics.