Masters 2012: How Bubba Watson's Win Has Affected the World Rankings

Following a thrilling Masters finish yesterday, the new Official World Golf Rankings were released this morning.

It's better reading for Americans who have half of the top-10 ranked players in the world headed up by Bubba Watson in fourth. Luke Donald's misery will be increased by the fact that both Mcllroy and Westwood have closed the gap with Rory just 0.08 average points behind.

Mickelson has also jumped into the top 10 into the ninth slot, just one stop behind rival Tiger Woods. The two that drop out of the top ten are Charl Schwartzel into 12th and Webb Simpson a spot behind.

Perhaps the two unluckiest players are Peter Hanson and Ian Poulter who, despite good performances, have gained a place and lost one, respectively. 

Looking ahead to the next major—the U.S. Open at the Olympic Club—the top 60 will get an invitation automatically.

Finishing tied 12th has led to a jump from 64th to 55th from Kevin Na. Someone who went down and is in danger of missing the qualification standard is Miguel Angel Jimenez, who went from 52nd to 57th.

Although he's guaranteed a spot in the Open, Padraig Harrington will be quite happy with a move from 96th to 80th making him the biggest mover of the week from the Masters.

It's clear the the Americans are on their way back with five players in the top 10, although they have gone down to ten in the top 20 from 11 last week.