OWGR: Ranking Every World No. 1 in History

14. David Duval

Time at the top: 15 weeks

Is David Duval the only world No. 1 to completely flame out? Yes. More importantly, did he take down Tiger Woods in his prime? Absolutely.

This dichotomy is baffling when trying to evaluate Duval’s career, but his relatively brief stint of dominance is what keeps him from falling further on this list.

Between 1997 and 2001, Duval rattled off 13 wins, dropped a final round 59 at the Bob Hope Classic and looked the Big Cat square in the eyes. At the time, Tiger had owned the top spot for 65 weeks over a few different stretches, but in 1999 he was overtaken by Duval, before the Georgia Tech product had even won his one and only major, the 2001 Open Championship.

Unfortunately for the oft-bespectacled golfer, that 2001 Open Championship was his last professional victory. He now serves as an analyst for the Golf Channel after trying to rekindle his career on several occasions. His Claret Jug and 14 weeks at No. 1 should provide some solace, though.

Next: Fred Couples