Spain’s Jon Rahm continues his meteoric rise up the world rankings as he moved into third spot to become the fourth youngest player to reach the mark.
The 23-year-old followed in the footsteps of Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy while beating any countryman to the position after finishing second to Dustin Johnson at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Weekend rounds of 66 and 69 helped his cause as the field played catch-up to Johnson.
Johnson leads by over two points at the top of the rankings from Jordan Spieth, who finished ninth in Hawaii after an opening round 75.
Rahm’s move above Justin Thomas was the only change in the top 15 with Pat Perez moving to 16th spot forcing Tyrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Alex Noren down one spot apiece.
Louis Oosthuizen, not in action in Hawaii, dropped one spot to 24th in the world but remains SA’s top ranked player. Branden Grace was unmoved in 30th going into this week’s SA Open at Glendower. Grace starts the country’s national championship as the bookies’ favourite but will need to fend off competition from Charl Schwartzel, down one to 34th.
Fortunately for Dylan Frittelli, his ranking (53rd) was unaffected by the first event of 2018 and as he looks for a strong showing at Glendower with his eyes still on a spot at The Masters.
Top 10 South African rankings:
Louis Oosthuizen – 24
Branden Grace – 30
Charl Schwartzel – 34
Dylan Fritelli – 53
George Coetzee – 134
Dean Burmester – 139
Richard Sterne – 140
Erik Van Rooyen – 141
Shaun Norris – 158
Haydn Porteous – 174
