Official Golf World Rankings: Who Should Be No. 1 on Jan. 1, 2010?

Who really is the best male golfer in the world today? Who will lay claim to that title a year from now?

Given his present gimpy state, is Tiger Woods really the best player in the world? Apparently so, according to the “Official Golf World Ranking (OGWR).”

However, anyone who pays attention to golf knows that the OGWR tells only half the story. Would anyone really claim that Phil Mickelson is a better player than Padraig Harrington right now? Doubtful.

But without any other comprehensive measuring stick, the OGWR is the best we have. So, as the 2009 PGA tour tees offs in Hawaii next week, it is instructive to take a look at the OGWR as of Jan. 1, 2009:

1. Tiger Woods

2. Sergio Garcia

3. Phil Mickelson

4. Padraig Harrington

5. Vijay Singh

6. Robert Karlsson

7. Camilo Villegas

8. Henrik Stenson

9. Ernie Els

10. Lee Westwood

But will the rankings stay this way throughout the season? Of course not. Because forecasting is such a fun sport, I ask what will the OGWR look like by 2010? My predictions are set forth below (with a little commentary). What do Bleacher Reporters think?

A few thoughts to ponder before providing any predictions:

• Tiger needed only six tournaments in 2008 to keep his vice grip on the top spot.
• Sergio could overtake Tiger by the Masters if he gets on an early season run.
• Nearly half of the current top ten ply their trade mostly in Europe.
• At Jan. 1 2008, Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk were ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively—a year later they are 15th and 13th. 
• Anthony Kim is presently No. 11 in the world.

My prediction for OGWR as of Jan. 1, 2010:

1. Sergio Garcia (first major win propels him to his best season ever on tour)

2. Tiger Woods (a few comeback wins prepare for 2010 No. 1 recapture)

3. Vijay Singh (wins fourth major and contends again down the stretch)

4. Padraig Harrington (top 10s in at least three majors keeps him in top five)

5. Camilo Villegas (contends in majors and wins three times)

6. Henrik Stenson (numerous European wins make him front runner for first Race to Dubai)

7. Anthony Kim (two wins and many top tens doesn’t quite live up to the hype)

8. Kenny Perry (Ryder Cup work ethic produces final stellar season before Champions Tour)

9. Phil Mickelson (early season run erased by late season fade—again)

10. Ian Poulter (finally produces season worthy of flashy wardrobe)