Golf

Woods moves into top spot

By BOB HARIG
Published March 7, 2005

MIAMI - Vijay Singh did his best to hold on to the No.1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking. He birdied the first four holes Sunday and briefly flirted with the leaders. He then birdied the 18th hole to forge a tie for third.

But it wasn't enough. A victory by Tiger Woods vaulted him back into the No.1 position he held for a record 264 consecutive weeks. Singh overtook him in September at the Deutsche Bank Championship. And his tie for third would have been enough to stay there had Woods not won.

The good news for Singh is they are close enough that Singh could regain the No.1 spot as early as this week's Honda Classic. Singh did not speak with reporters afterward.

"The rankings take care of itself with wins," Woods said after his one-stroke victory over Phil Mickelson . "I've said that from the very beginning. That's how I got there. That's how Vijay got there. It's just nothing but winning golf tournaments."

HURTING HIMSELF: Woods appeared to favor a finger on his right hand on the back nine. He apparently cut himself after slapping his thigh in anger. Woods said after missing a putt on the 14th hole, he angrily slapped his pocket and caught the divot fixer with his index finger. The injury drew blood but was not serious.

NEW CAR: The Ford GT sports car Woods won for his victory is worth $140,000, but you won't see him driving it. Because Woods has an endorsement deal with Buick, he made a point all week to be careful about saying anything about Ford products. He did acknowledge afterward, however, that his caddie, Steve Williams , would be getting the keys to the car.

AROUND DORAL: Mickelson, Singh and David Toms were the only players in the 60s for all four rounds. Only 12 players since the tournament's inception in 1962 have accomplished the feat. ... The tournament had 11 of the top 12 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and for the most part, they did not disappoint. Woods (now No.1), Mickelson (fourth) and Singh (now No.2) finished 1-2-3. No.9 Toms finished fifth, and No.5 Retief Goosen tied for eighth.

[Last modified March 7, 2005, 01:58:12]