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Woods plummets out of world's top 50

Tiger Woods has struggled with injury throughout 2011 © Getty Images

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Tiger Woods has tumbled out of the world's top 50 as his long fall from the summit of golf continues.

The American has struggled to shake off the shackles of injury during 2011, having picked up a knee complaint at The Masters in April, where he hinted at a return to form by finishing fourth.

He aggravated that injury at the Players Championship one month later then, after making a return in July, missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup play-offs, finishing 132 in the list.

Since his most recent appearance, Woods has appointed Joe LaCava as his new caddie as he attempts to turn around his fortunes, having fallen to 51 in the world.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy was in rueful mood on Sunday after blowing a golden chance to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which was claimed by his countryman Michael Hoey. McIlroy began the final day five shots behind Hoey, but found himself in the lead after a brilliant front nine of just 30 strokes.

McIlroy failed to pick up any shots past the 11th hole at St Andrews, however, allowing Hoey to sneak in and triumph with a storming finish. "Yeah it's great to see [another Ulsterman win] but to me, I don't care who wins now because I'm not," McIlroy said after completing his round.

"I've been very consistent, which is a good thing, but I want to get wins and that's the most important thing. It's good to be one, two, three and see all of us boys up there, I'm just obviously disappointed that it wasn't me lifting the trophy. I'm sure it will be a long flight to Korea in the morning thinking about it."

World Rankings: 1. Luke Donald (ENG), 2. Lee Westwood (ENG), 3. Rory McIlroy (NIR), 4. Steve Stricker (USA), 5. Dustin Johnson (USA), 6. Martin Kaymer (GER), 7. Jason Day (AUS), 8. Adam Scott (AUS), 9. Matt Kuchar (USA), 10. Phil Mickelson (USA), 11. Nick Watney (USA), 12. Charl Schwartzel (SAF), 13. Webb Simpson (USA), 14. Graeme McDowell (NIR), 15. KJ Choi (KOR), 16. Bubba Watson (USA), 17. Justin Rose (ENG), 18. David Toms (USA), 19. Hunter Mahan (USA), 20. Paul Casey (ENG).

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