Tiger Woods has been number one in the world rankings more weeks

Tiger Woods has been number one in the world rankings more weeks than any other player in the history of the standings. He has been the best player of his generation since winning the US Masters in 1997.

Woods achieved the fastest ascent to the pinnacle of the world game after winning his first Masters He stayed predominantly in that position until the end of the 2010 season when he dropped to second. He reached a career low of 58 in August of the following year.

Since retuning to competitive play after injury the former world number one has gradually moved up the world rankings again. He reached a season high of number two after the third of his regular Tour wins of 2012 in July.

Despite winning three tournaments in 2012 there are several reasons why he will have an enduring feeling of disappointment as he embarks in his Christmas break.

Woods didn’t win a major championship in 2012. He played himself into contention at the US Open and British Open only to falter over the weekend. He wasn’t a significant factor in the Masters or US PGA Championship.

Tiger had a poor Ryder Cup and won just half a point for the team. He lost three matches alongside Steve Stricker and was probably annoyed at being put out last in the singles.

Finally Woods never looked like overhauling Rory McIlroy at the head of the world rankings. There are several reasons why Woods is unlikely to be seen as the best player in the world again between now and the end of his career.

#5 Coach and Caddie
Butch Harmon was Tiger Woods’ coach when he was most dominant in world golf. He worked on Woods swing to ensure more consistency even after his pupil had won several majors. Harmon was Woods’ go-to man for swing mechanics from his amateur days in 1993 until 2004. The reasons why the relationship ended are unclear but Hank Haney assumed the role between 2004 and 2010. Under Haney’s instruction Woods continued to win regular tournament but his driving accuracy dropped significantly.

Sean Foley is the current incumbent of the job but he has struggled to match Harmon’s influence in key areas of Woods’ game. Steve Williams has been Woods caddie for most of his career. However, that partnership didn’t end cordially and until Woods teams up with a coach and caddie as suited to the roles as Harmon and Williams he is unlikely to be the world’s number one golfer.

Read more at http://www.rantsports.com/golf/2012/12/08/five-reasons-why-tiger-woods-will-never-be-the-worlds-number-one-golfer-again/#Vk2QOYPwRH1GiLhY.99