Rankings race: possibilities abound

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March 8, 2011

On a weekend of endless possibilities, there is an outside chance Europe could have the world’s top six come Sunday..

Should things go Europe’s way at Doral this weekend, there is an outside chance that Europe could occupy the top six places on the World Rankings list come Sunday evening.

With Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell standing on the top four rungs on the rankings ladder, England’s Paul Casey and Northern Irelands Rory McIlory are well positioned at Nos 7 and 8 to join them and make it a European one to six – if the two both finish in the top three at the WGC-Cadillac Championship and Tiger Woods at five and Phil Mickelson at six finish well down the field.

It’s true, of course, that McIlroy has yet to produce the kind of form of which he is capable this season, but then again neither have Woods and Mickelson, so anything is possible this upcoming week.

The battle for the World Number One spot between Germany’s rock solid Kaymer and a Westwood still trying to get up a full head of steam won’t see any change unless the Englishman can get into a top four finish with Kaymer well down the field

Either that or Westwood must win the Cadillac title at the Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa outright.

Do that and he’ll find himself once more wearing the No 1 rankings crown – even if Kaymer does come in just behind him in second place.

Yes that’s right. It’s that close.

On the downside for Westwood is the danger of him being overtaken, either by Donald or by Donald, McDowell and even Woods for the World No 2 spot – if he misses the cut or finishers way down on the Sunday scoreboard.

European golfers currently occupy six of the top eight positions in the Official World Golf Ranking, and with a world class field containing almost all of the games best golfers teeing off at Doral, there are huge numbers of rankings points available this week.

So hold on to your hats.

The Blue Monster could produce a thrill-a-minute, roller-coaster weekend ride.

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