• Official World Golf Rankings

Scott: Give me majors over world No.1

ESPN staff
May 19, 2014
No.2 no more: Adam Scott finally surpasses Tiger Woods as world No.1 © AP
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Adam Scott has described becoming world No.1 as a "nice feather in the cap" but admits he would trade it for more major victories.

Scott ended Tiger Woods' 60-week stay at the top of the rankings on Monday to become just the second Australian to reach the summit after Greg Norman's reign ended in 1998.

The 2013 Masters champion had spent 38 weeks in second place and has had several chances to overtake Woods in recent weeks - most noticeably when he failed to capitalise on a seven-shot lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

World Top 20

  • 1. Adam Scott (Aus) 2. Tiger Woods (US) 3. Henrik Stenson (Swe) 4. Matt Kuchar (US) 5. Bubba Watson (US) 6. Jason Day (Aus) 7. Sergio Garcia (Spa) 8. Justin Rose (Eng) 9. Jordan Spieth (US) 10. Rory McIlroy (NI) 11. Phil Mickelson (US) 12. Jim Furyk (US) 13. Zach Johnson (US) 14. Dustin Johnson (US) 15. Graeme McDowell (NI) 16. Steve Stricker (US) 17. Jimmy Walker (US) 18. Charl Schwartzel (SA) 19. Luke Donald (Eng) 20. Ian Poulter (Eng)

But as is the nature of the mathematics involved with the Official World Golf Rankings, Scott and Woods switched places with neither having hit a ball in the previous week.

"It's a nice feather in the cap," Scott said. "If I was never world No.1 when I was this close then I would be disappointed.

"But I'd also much rather win the US Open and not be No.1 at all this year. That's what it comes down to."

On his idol Norman, he added: "Part of this is for him because he's given me so much time and inspiration and belief.

"I drew on that a lot. I somehow managed to stay in each shot when I needed to. He has devoted so much time to myself and other young Australian players who came after him. He's incredibly generous.

Brian Thorburn, the chief executive of the PGA of Australia, added: "This is another outstanding achievement for Adam Scott. The Australian golfing community is very proud and we look forward to watching his progress throughout the year."

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