• PGA Tour

Westwood deserves No. 1 spot - Woods

ESPN staff
November 1, 2010
It has been a tough year for Tiger Woods © Getty Images
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Tiger Woods has admitted that he did not deserve to keep a hold of the world No. 1 ranking due to his struggles on the course in 2010.

Lee Westwood has finally ended Woods' five-year run at the top of the standings after taking advantage of the American's failure to win a tournament this year.

Having returned to the course in April following a five-month hiatus, Woods has failed to find any consistency in his game. The most striking illustration of this comes in his stroke average, which is 2.2 shots per round higher than it was in 2009.

Although his performances at the majors have been commendable, much of his other play has been dismal - particularly at the Bridgestone Invitational, where he finished at 18-over.

His difficulties on the course have prompted him to change his swing coach in a desperate attempt to spark an upturn in fortunes. But, with that tweak yet to reap any dividends, Woods concedes that he was always going to lose his fragile grip on the world No. 1 spot.

"As far as the world ranking is concerned, yes, I'm not ranked No. 1 in the world," Woods said. "In order to do that you have to win and I didn't win this year.

"As far as the emotions go, it is what it is. To become No. 1 you have to win and win a lot to maintain it. That's the way it goes.

"I've got three more events this year and, hopefully, I can end on a good note. I'm really looking forward to these events and hopefully they will spearhead into a better 2011."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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