As Hero World Challenge Enjoys OWGR Backing, Will Scottie Scheffler Lose His World No.1 Spot Amid His Comeback?

The 2023 Hero World Challenge is all set to rock the golf world. Although the event is not deemed an official one by the PGA Tour, its being hosted by Tiger Woods coupled with his return amid an elite group of players does add spice to it. However, such a field does raise concerns for a particular golfer, namely Scottie Scheffler.

The American has been keeping his place at the top spot on the Official World Golf Rankings for quite a while now. But now, with the upcoming event being granted OWGR points along with the crème de la crème of golfers playing at the same time, one can’t help but wonder if the 27-year-old would be able to hold on to his position!

The curious case of No. 1 Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler propelled himself to the top of the world rankings and cemented his position with two impressive seasons. With a total of six wins on the PGA Tour, including a major, the golfer has managed to hold on to the rankings for over 50 weeks. However, the pro had been missing in action after the Ryder Cup loss for a while and is now set to return to the game at the upcoming competition. And, with the stiff competition, including the comeback of the legend, will he be brought down from his throne?

The answer is a definite NO! With a total of 30.0999 points being given to the winner of the Hero World Challenge, none of the positions of the athletes in the top six of the OWGR would face a change. Moreover, even the likes of Rory McIlroy (No. 2) and Jon Rahm (No. 3), who are not playing, would keep their positions. Thus, the 2022 Masters Tournament champ can rest assured that his place is not in danger.

However, the rest of the players in the 20-man field can change depending on the results of the tournament and who emerges victorious. Matt Fitzpatrick and Brian Harman could reach seventh place, while Wyndham Clark may climb to No. 8, Jordan Spieth to No. 11, and Jason Day to No. 12 if they end up winning. Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley have the chance to reach the 10th position if they do well.

While many on the field expect themselves to clinch the title and emerge victorious while moving up the ranks, one can’t forget the former No. 1, who is all set to make a return to the game. Yes, none other than Tiger Woods!

Is Tiger Woods’ resurgence on the OWGR in sight?

The 47-year-old had earlier fallen to 1307 on the world ranking owing to the long hiatus that he had to undertake due to recovery. However, in the upcoming tournament, he has a chance to emerge from the lowest-ever career ranking. If the worst happens and the golfer finishes last, then the Hall of Famer would be able to jump up at least 350 places into the top 1000, a position much better than the current one.

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However, if he is to win the Hero World Challenge, then Mr. T would reach somewhere between 160 and 170, a whopping jump of 1150 places. One thing is for sure: with the kind of winnings, including the OWGR points and the winner’s cut of $3.5 million, the Bahamas is surely set to witness an exciting game of golf over the next four days, starting November 30th.

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