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'First class' Davis breaks into the world top 100

Brian Davis has broken into the top 100 after coming second at the Verizon Heritage © Getty Images

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Jim Furyk spoke of his admiration for Brian Davis after the Londoner's decision to call a foul against himself handed Furyk the play-off hole decider in the Verizon Heritage on Sunday.

Davis broke into the world's top 100 players in the newly released rankings on Monday, courtesy of his second-placed finish at Hilton Head Island. However, he blew his chances of a maiden PGA Tour title by admitting he had clipped a piece of loose impediment when chipping out of the rough onto the green.

The self-confessed foul landed Davis a two-stroke penalty, which finally handed victory to Furyk after an engrossing battle on the final day that saw both players end on 13-under-par. And Furyk paid tribute to his rival, insisting the new world No. 98 is a symbol for fair play in the world of golf.

"To have the tournament come down that way is definitely not the way I want to win the golf tournament," Furyk said. "It's obviously a tough loss for him, and I respect and admire what he did.

"To be there and be in the battle and have an opportunity to win the golf tournament, and then have to call a penalty on yourself has got to be extremely disappointing. I admire him for what he did. It's a testament to our game and the people that play on the Tour, and that we have so many guys that do that."

Davis, who moves ahead of the likes of Tom Watson, Stuart Appleby and Darren Clarke in the rankings, has now finished as runner-up in four competitions in as many years. His actions were hailed by PGA Tour tournament director and rules official Slugger White, who labelled the Briton "first class".

"That will come back to him in spades, tenfold," White said. "In fact, on the putting green, after it was all said and done, I don't know if Jim said, 'are you sure?' but he said, 'I know I did. I could not have lived with myself if I had not called it on myself'. He's class, first class."

Furyk moves up to No. 5 in the world with victory in Charleston, dislodging Ian Poulter who drops to sixth, while Paul Casey drops below Ernie Els to eighth after tying for 22nd on Sunday. Rory McIlroy drops to 13th, but there is good news for Luke Donald who returns to the top 20 (19th) after tying for third at the Verizon Heritage.

Y. E. Yang also leaps into the top 20 after his victory at the Volvo China Open.

World Rankings: 1. Tiger Woods (USA), 2. Phil Mickelson (USA), 3. Steve Stricker (USA), 4. Lee Westwood (Eng), 5. Jim Furyk (USA), 6. Ian Poulter (Eng), 7. Ernie Els (RSA), 8. Paul Casey (Eng), 9. Martin Kaymer (Ger), 10. Anthony Kim (USA), 11. Padraig Harrington (Ire), 12. Camilo Villegas (Col), 13. Rory McIlroy (NI), 14. Geoff Ogilvy (Aus), 15. Retief Goosen (RSA),16. Robert Allenby (Aus), 17. Henrik Stenson (Swe), 18. Hunter Mahan (USA), 19. Luke Donald (Eng), 20. Y.E Yang (Kor)

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