The Math Works for Martin Kaymer

MARTIN KAYMER HAS 8.36 POINTS in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), which makes him the new No. 1 golfer in the world. After Tiger Woods held the No. 1 spot for a bazillion weeks, there have now been two on top since November 1. Kaymer displaced Lee Westwood (8.16 points) and is the first German since Bernhard Langer to reach golf’s summit, nearly a quarter century after Langer debuted as No. 1 in the new world golf rankings in April 1986.

Kaymer, who this past weekend finished as runner-up to Luke Donald at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, sounded like he was still in a state of disbelief in a CNN.com story. With an open week in his schedule, the 26-year-old German star said he will have some time to let his accomplishment sink in.

As I’ve said before, I don’t understand how the math behind the OWGR works. I haven’t tried, to be honest. But I do feel better with Kaymer on top. He deserves it. He’s actually been winning golf tournaments.

To review, Tiger Woods remained as world No. 1 until last Halloween despite a lackluster 2010 season. Westwood had two late-season wins in 2009 and one 2010 victory at the St. Jude Classic. Not bad, but certainly not a compelling case for world No. 1. Tiger fell on his own more than Lee knocked him off the pedestal.

Kaymer, on the other hand, has had five wins in the last 13 months, including a major, the PGA Championship. However you do the math, that adds up to world’s best golfer in my book. Martin has played his way to the top—with wins. It’s about winning, ultimately. Or it should be.

Official World Golf Ranking Top 10
(as of 2/27/11)
1. Martin Kaymer
2. Lee Westwood
3. Luke Donald
4. Graeme McDowell
5. Tiger Woods
6. Phil Mickelson
7. Paul Casey
8. Rory McIlroy
9. Steve Stricker
10. Matt Kuchar

−The Armchair Golfer

Related:
Martin Kaymer’s Quiet Golf Takeover