Tiger Woods tees up this week in the defence of his World Challenge event in suburban Los Angeles declaring new rival, Rory McIlroy is deserving of being the World No. 1.
Woods holds the record for most consecutive weeks at No.1 and that is 281 weeks, and also he holds the record for the most weeks at No. 1 and that’s 623 weeks.
Tiger Woods says Rory McIlroy deserving of his World No. 1 ranking. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
In contrast, McIlroy first went to No. 1 in the world in capturing the Honda Classic but then lost the title for a handful of weeks to Luke Donald before regaining the No. 1 title just prior to this year’s Masters.
In total, McIlroy has now been No. 1 in the world for some 23 weeks.
Woods was quizzed on McIlroy’s leading world ranking stature and he responded: “Rory is ranked No.1. He deserves it.
“He’s won tournaments all around the world. He’s had high finishes on top of that, and that’s how you do it.
“He’s won a major championship, won a couple playoff events, and won the Race to Dubai event.
“So those are four big events with great fields in it. He should be very proud of the season he’s had, and I’m sure he’s excited about what next year holds for him, as well, coming off a great year like this.”
Woods also can be proud of his season winning three times and in the process surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ record to become the second most winningest PGA Tour champion of all time with only Sam Snead now ahead of him.
“Well, I think I needed to get to a point where, one, I was playing a full season and where I was competitive, not where I was missing big chunks of time, which I had been over the past years, which I did this year,” said Woods.
“There was quite a few people out there that said I would never win again. Well, starting at this event, I won four times, so that’s not too bad.
“Three wins on the PGA Tour this year, and what I’ve done, I think, collectively, passing Jack, I think that’s a pretty good accomplishment.
“But I still feel I have some of my best golf to play, and in order to do that, I had to be healthy, and this year is head the in the right direction.
“I’m very excited about next year.”
