Following this week's World Golf Championship at Doral, interesting things happening in the world golf rankings. Phil Mickelson has jumped over Sergio Garcia for #2 in the world, and is closer than he's ever been to overtaking Tiger Woods for #1 in the world. If Phil decides to play Bay Hill, and beats Tiger, I believe that will do it. My question is: is that really news? You'd think so from watching the Golf channel, but I don't think so.

Let's face it: the only reason anyone is close to Tiger in the rankings of anything is the tiny matter of his not having played golf for 9 months. Add to that, the last time we did see him play he was winning the US Open one one leg, hobbling around like Blackbeard with a 7 iron instead of a peg leg. So can anyone get excited that the world rankings are closer than normal? If Sergio had been able to win the PGA last year, and hadn't gotten bounced in the first round of the match play event, he'd already be #1 in the world. Sergio! A man who, although being maybe the best ball-striker alive, has as much confidence on the greens as I do in front of my mirror in a speedo. Bottom line: give it 2 months, Tiger will be back at #1 with a comfortable margin.

Hey, I hope I'm wrong! I get bored when Tiger wins all the majors and everyone else sheepishly comments on how great he is. I would like to see Phil, Sergio, maybe Ernie challenge him on a regular basis. Yet, history has shown us that Mr. Woods is just that much better than everyone else on earth... I my mind, not a knock on any of those players, just a testament to the superiority of Tiger's game.

Phil did say the right things after winning... that Tiger's the greatest player ever, and how he doesn't really put much stock in where his world ranking is day to day. But you know he would love to have at least one clipping from GolfWorld reading "Phil Mickelson: #1 player in the world" on his mantle somewhere. It might happen. Regardless, he's playing great, and you know Tiger will play great soon. Here's hoping for a Woods - Mickelson showdown at Augusta National. How great would that be? Even their caddies can't stand each other. Coming down the stretch, even going in to the back 9 on Sunday? With CBS constantly cutting to show who has the hotter blonde wife, or the cuter toddlers? I'm setting my Tivo just thinking about it.

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