England’s Justin Rose will start Thursday’s Masters as the world No 1 and will bid to join three others players to win the Green Jacket while being the leading player on the planet.
Rose, who lost to Sergio Garcia in 2017 after a playoff, has once again returned to the summit of the Official Golf World Rankings.
Players to have won at Augusta while ranked No 1:
Ian Woosnam (1991)
The diminutive Welshman made his debut at Augusta only in 1988, but prevailed over two-time champion Tom Watson and Jose Maria Olazabal. His won continued a fine run for British golfers after Sandy Lyle and Nick Faldo’s success in Georgia.
Fred Couples (1992)
Winner by two over Raymond Floyd, his win is better remembered for his answered prayer at Rae’s Creek. Couples’ ball somehow did not find the water after missing the famed 12th hole green.
Tiger Woods (2001)
Tiger claimed his fourth straight Major after edging Phil Mickelson by one.
Tiger Woods (2002)
A historic win as Woods became the first player to defend since Nick Faldo in 1990. A final round 71 was enough to win by three over South Africa’s Retief Goosen (74) as the American claimed his third Green Jacket and seventh Major title. Woods joined Faldo and Jack Nicklaus as the only players to successfully defend at Augusta.
