Next US #1 in the World?

[Shindig]

Tiger;  similar reasons to the others picking him.  If I had to pick one other than Tiger, I think Jim Furyk is more likely than the others, with Steve Stricker a close third.

I don't see Phil getting it, largely because he has other priorities in life.  He's a good player and will pull many wins and stay as a top player, but I can't see him doing what needs to be done to get #1 when he has other things that require his attention.  As much as I like Phil, and want to see him do well, I can't say I'd choose differently in his shoes.

[PiustheDrGolf]

I chose someone else. For next few years, I don't see any US player can be #1 of the world, like Tiger did. If there was AK or Fowler on the list, there may be a chance..but not those listed players, including Tiger.

[JetFan1983]

It looks like Phil is mathematically closest so I'd give him a slight edge right now. Stricker's been very dormant for a while now, even though I do think he'll show up this week in Louisiana. Kuchar is always right there, and it does seem like him pulling a Mark Wilson could happen at any time really. I hope it does.

Official World Golf Rankings

Ultimately though, I voted for Tiger, despite news today about an injury.

[jamo]

I voted Tiger, mostly because I don't think anyone else on the list is capable of accumulating enough points. Lee Westwood got there the first time with consistency alone, and there are no Americans on the list who scram consistency to me.

[allin]

I voted Tiger. Many of the others have the potential to reach number one, only Tiger has proved he can. He is only 35 and I think he will reach number one again as he chases the record for majors.

[WUTiger]

Matt Kuchar: He rebounded strong last year, earning $4.9 Mm, and has picked up this year where he left off. Has made all 10 cuts and approaches May with almost $2 Mm won. He wins some tournaments and regularly finishes in Top 10, he should bounce into No. 1.

Matt has filled out lean and strong, build like an athlete - a football wide receiver. Looks durable physically for the long haul. Now if he is done tinkering with his swing...

Note: I expect Tiger to hit #1 several times between now and 2015. But, a lot of competition came to the top during his down months. I think it will be hard for one person to dominate as #1 during the rest of the decade.

[shades9323]

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[Dave H]

I voted Tiger. I guess no one else inspires me enough right now to think that they can get to number 1. At the same time, while I really do hope that Tiger rebounds and makes number 1 again, I also hope another american gets to number 1. Somewhat conflicting thoughts.

[LankyLefty]

Like many others i think Tiger Woods will be the next American number 1. Its just hard to vote against the guy. Plus hes dating a 22 year old college coed which might give him back some his old mojo???? Seriously though hes got the best tool-set for it and has on occasion shown the ability to put it all together over the past year or so. His consistency is improving slowly but surely and his putting even looked passable at the masters so hard to bet against him. 10 Years from now though Id prolly put my money on Dustin Johnson.

[Chilli Dipper]

It will likely be Tiger before anyone else, but with consistency seeming to be the secret to the top of the rankings, I'd nominate Matt Kuchar, who has been a top-ten machine over the last year and a half.

[bunkerputt]

I picked Phil.  I actually hope it just jockeys around for the next 20 years.  It's nice watching those guys have no frame of reference for who to be afraid of..

1 Lee Westwood ,  Eng 7.65 359.70 47 -115.33 50.08

2 Martin Kaymer ,  Deu 7.52 376.21 50 -98.39 118.80

3 Luke Donald ,  Eng 7.37 383.49 52 -78.55 151.48

4 Phil Mickelson ,  USA 6.52 293.40 45 -100.83 106.05

.....

[the19thhole]

I voted Tiger because he's Tiger. His swing will come good and more importantly his putting will come good. He's been through this before and probably has more self belief than any of the others. Although I don't see it happening soon as the Europeans are playing so consistently. Westwood is a deserved no1 IMO, but maybe that's for another thread.

[muggs]

Charl Schwartzel- best all-around game on tour right now. And folks- Tiger is done...mmmmmkaaay.

[shades9323]

Originally Posted by muggs

Charl Schwartzel- best all-around game on tour right now. And folks- Tiger is done...mmmmmkaaay.

Schwartzel is not an American...mmmmmkaaay.

[Deryck Griffith]

I voted Kuchar.  Just because of his consistency which seems like the WGR formula for becoming #1.  I would've voted ofr Tiger but I'm VERY worried about his body.  He will win again but don't know to what capacity.

[Canuck]

I think going forward the best bet for an American #1 would be a Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Anthony KIm, Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson or Even Nick Watney. Im pretty sure the Non Americans will dominate the #1 spot for a few years to come. But Those players I listed will be the best shot at a USA player of holding the #1 spot. Tiger and Phil will always hang onto the top 3 to 7 spots but I dont see them holding that #1 spot for more then a few months at best.

[phillyk]

I like Steve Stricker and Matt Kuchar, but they are not consistent enough yet to make it to the top.  Actually, I don't think any of them are consistent enough at the moment, but the most consistent would have to be Phil Mickelson at the moment.  I believe Tiger will make a come back at some point, but I don't think that'll happen quite yet.

[Deryck Griffith]

Originally Posted by phillyk

I like Steve Stricker and Matt Kuchar, but they are not consistent enough yet to make it to the top.  Actually, I don't think any of them are consistent enough at the moment, but the most consistent would have to be Phil Mickelson at the moment.

Matt Kuchar was number 1 on the money list last year with 11 top 10s and 23 top 25s.

He won a tournament, came 2nd  once 3rd three times.  Made 23 out of 25 cuts.

www.pgatour.com/players/02/31/08/

Pretty consistent to me....