Tiger Woods’ share of fourth at the Quicken Loans National marked his third top-5 finish of the year, moving him to No.67 in the newest world rankings. That’s his highest rung since February 2015, with the top 50 now in striking range.
All of which brings a small goal into play: The WGC Bridgestone Invitational, being played for the last time at Akron’s Firestone Country Club before relocating next year to Memphis. Though Woods owns eight wins at Firestone, he won’t get into the lineup unless he joins the top 50.
Conceding a margin of error because of other moving parts, projections show Woods needs about 14 more world ranking points to safely crack the top 50. The Open Championship is the only event he plans before Firestone, so he’d need a top-10 at Carnoustie.
Asked if he’d consider adding either the John Deere Classic or RBC Canadian Open to boost his chances, Woods said no. “I have to really try and remind myself that what I’m coming back from with this,” he added, “the (back) injury that I’ve had and the procedure that I’ve had.”
FIGHTING FOR FIRESTONE
POS-PLAYER(LAST WK)-POINTS
50. Emiliano Grillo (50) – 2.323
51. Zach Johnson (51) – 2.313
52. Peter Uihlein (52) – 2.297
53. Brendan Steele (54) – 2.281
54. Chez Reavie (53) – 2.278
55. Charles Howell (60) – 2.258
56. Byeong Hun An (56) – 2.230
57. Luke List (57) – 2.229
58. Kevin Chappell (58) – 2.206
59. Chesson Hadley (61) – 2.185
60. Alexander Levy (59) – 2.173
67. Tiger Woods (82) – 1.978