The green jacket is the undisputed top prize up for grabs this week, but several players could leave the 2022 Masters with another nice parting gift. The title of world No.1 is also on the line – and there’s no shortage of scenarios for who can claim the top spot.
No fewer than six different golfers have the opportunity to wake up Monday morning with the No.1 ranking. And yes, in most of those scenarios that golfer would also wake up with the most coveted coat in sports – possibly actually waking up wearing it.
Of course, the list starts with the current world No.1, Scottie Scheffler, who recently ascended to the top spot following his victory at the WGC–Dell Technologies Match Play. A first Major title would only distance himself from his pursuers, but isn’t necessary to remain No.1.
Nor is it necessary for a foursome of Scheffler’s followers. No.2 Jon Rahm could take back the top spot with as little as a solo sixth place, while No.3 Collin Morikawa needs at least a T-3, No.4 Viktor Hovland needs at least a solo third, and No.5 Patrick Cantlay needs a solo second to have any chance of overtaking Scheffler.
As is the case with Scheffler, should any of those four players win this week, they will also be ranked No.1 come Monday. But a sixth player, reigning Players champ Cameron Smith, could move to No.1 as well. In the Aussie’s case, he would need to win this week and then have a few other things go his way to get there, including Scheffler finishing lower than equal third with one other player and Jon Rahm not finishing second alone.
A couple other things to note. For one, Morikawa, Hovland, Cantlay, and Smith have never previously held the top spot in the OWGR. And of those with a chance, only Rahm and Cantlay are paired together on Thursday and Friday.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering about Tiger Woods, currently ranked 973rd, OWGR guru @Nosferatu projects the following:
Not that a guy who has already spent a record 683 (!) weeks in the top spot cares.
