Breaking down the crowded field for No. 1 golfer in the world

Justin Rose achieved the No. 1 ranking in the world while losing a tournament in a playoff; then by winning one in a playoff; and yet again by doing absolutely nothing -- twice.

Such are the vagaries of the ranking system that the Englishman begins his 2019 schedule this week at the Desert Classic near Palm Springs, California, as the No. 1-ranked player in the world, having surpassed Brooks Koepka last week while sitting at home.

"It's nice to be there; I love being at the top,'' Rose said last month when he had ascended to the top spot for the third time in a matter of weeks -- only to lose it and regain it again in the interim. "It's a fantastic thing, and next time I get to the top, I'll…