Tiger Woods to Lose Top Ranking This Weekend

Martin Kaymer can end Tiger Woods’ five-year run as the top-ranked golfer with a win at the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama.

The 25-year-old German also can become No. 1 if he finishes in second place, tied with no more than one other player. But no matter the result in southern Spain on Sunday, Woods’ reign will end.

If Kaymer doesn’t finish high enough, Lee Westwood of England will replace Woods even though both aren’t playing this week. His ranking-points average over the past two years will go above Woods’ on Monday.

Kaymer, who has won four tournaments this year, including his first major at the U.S. PGA Championship in August, insists that climbing to the top of the rankings is not a top priority.

“Of course, it is one of the goals I want to achieve in my career,” he said. “But at the moment, I am concentrating on trying to win the Race to Dubai.”

That goal, too, is well within his grasp. With five events remaining on the European Tour, Kaymer has substantial lead over Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell in the money list.

McDowell, the U.S. Open champion, also is competing at Valderrama. That gives the new tournament two major champions in the field, chasing the $690,000 first prize.

However, if Kaymer wins his fourth straight event in Spain to add to the U.S. PGA, Dutch Open and Dunhill Links titles, the Race to Dubai won’t be settled until next month.

Three of the final four tournaments carry a winner’s purse of more than $966,000.

VALDERRAMA, Spain (AP)