Match Play rankings set but Woods remains in doubt

Rebecca Bryan

World number one Tiger Woods’ “indefinite break” from golf could be Englishman Ross McGowan’s ticket to the World Golf Championships Match Play Championship.

Sunday was the final day to secure a berth in the elite 64-player field, which is based on the world rankings.

American Kevin Na, Chad Campbell and Scott Verplank all finished well enough at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club to secure their spots.

Na fired a final-round 66 to finish tied for 10th and move up from 67th to 62nd in the world. Campbell moved down a spot to 63rd and Verplank retained the 64th position in the wake of Sunday’s play.

Third

Phil Mickelson - who slipped to third in the world rankings behind Riviera winner Steve Stricker - has already said he won’t play.

That opens the door for world number 65 Chris Wood of England. If Woods - or another eligible player - doesn’t show then 66th-ranked McGowan is in line for a spot in the tournament at Dove Mountain near Tucson. Qualified players have until Friday to confirm their participation in the tournament, which runs from February 17-21. Australian Geoff Ogilvy is the defending champion.

An Australian newspaper created a flutter last week when it speculated - citing nothing more substantial than “whispers” - that Woods would use the WGC Match Play to return from his self-imposed exile.

But Woods’ plans remain in doubt. He hasn’t played since a November 27 car crash sparked a sex scandal that led to Woods admitting marital infidelity.

LOS ANGELES, Wednesday AFP