NAUCALPAN DE JUÁREZ, Mexico — Golfers build their professional careers on the conceit that they are better than everyone else. But since 1986, only 20 players in the men’s game have been able to say, conclusively, that they are No. 1. The brainchild of the game’s first mega agent, Mark McCormack, the official world golf rankings were conceived as a promotional vehicle and have grown to become — what, exactly?
The sixth-longest reign at the world No. 1 spot belongs to Luke Donald, who has never won a major. Phil Mickelson has five major victories but has never been the world No.