Tue, Aug 17, 2004 - Page 18 News List

Woods still No. 1 despite recent dismal performances

AFP , KOHLER, WISCONSIN

Tiger Woods retained his No. 1 ranking in the world on Sunday despite his worst showing in a major championship this season.

The 28-year-old Woods finished tied for 24th at the PGA Championship but he surpassed Australian legend Greg Norman for most consecutive weeks in the top spot, extending his record streak to 332 weeks.

Woods needed Ernie Els to finish second or higher at the PGA Championship on Sunday to keep the top ranking. Els shot 73 on Sunday to tie for fourth place.

Eight time major champion Woods started his No. 1 streak in 1997, becoming the youngest every to achieve the lofty perch at age 21 years, 24 weeks. Bernhard Langer, of Germany, held the previous record at 29 years, 31 years.

Extending his No. 1 streak wasn't enough to make up for the disappointment of failing to win another major championship however. Woods' major drought now extends to the last 10 tournaments.

He was tied for 22nd in the Masters this year, tied for 17th in US Open and tied for ninth in the British Open.

Woods got off to a poor start at Whistling Straits which put him in danger of missing a 36-hole cut for the first time in over six years.

He posted three birdies over his final six holes on Friday to make his record 129th cut in a row.

Woods said putting was the worst aspect of his game at the PGA. He averaged 29.8 putts per round, including 32 on Thursday. By comparison Chris Riley averaged just 26.8 putts.

Woods finished tied for 39th in the PGA Championship last year and tied for 29th in 2001.

After winning five events in 2003 and picking up player-of-the-year award, Woods is still searching for his first win this year.

Woods said part of the reason for his incredible run between 1999 and 2001 when he won five of 12 majors, was that winning those championships did wonders for his confidence.

"There's no substitute for getting on a roll. Look at what Phil [Mickelson] is doing this year. Ernie [Els] did it this year or most of the year.

"You get on these little runs. I was on my own little run for that stretch where I played well for about five majors," he said.

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