OWGR: Ranking Every World No. 1 in History

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Vijay Singh of Fiji (right) is presented with the Champion’s green jacket by Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain (left), the previous year’s winner, after winning the US Masters Golf Tournament held at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, 9th April 2000. Singh won by three strokes. (Photo by Phil Sheldon/Popperfoto/Getty Images) /

6. Vijay Singh

Time at the top: 32 weeks

Would you believe me if I told you that the song “Forever Young” was written about Vijay Singh? No? Well, it probably wasn’t, but the title is an apt summary of Singh’s career. In September 2004, the Fijian became the oldest No. 1 in OWGR history when he reached the top at the age of 41. He also did it in the Tiger Woods era, which merits some bonus points in my eyes. Golfers from the Jack Nicklaus era would get similar credit if the OWGR had been around back then.

Getting back to the subject at hand, Singh put together one of the best seasons ever in 2004 — he picked up nine wins, including the PGA Championship. He temporarily upset the Tiger-Phil power structure and did so at an age where most Tour players are beginning to count down the days to Champions Tour eligibility.

His total of 32 weeks at the top trails that of several golfers on this list, but not all weeks are created equal. I’ll cut Singh some slack.

Next: Nick Faldo

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