The results of the Valero Texas Open had little effect on the World Golf Rankings as of Monday. The majority of the well known participants faded on the weekend and opened the door for several lesser known competitors to make their way to the top of the leaderboard. In the end, Brendan Steele carded a final round 71 to win his first PGA tournament by one stroke over Kevin Chappell and Charlie Hoffman. Steele was the epitome of consistency making 11 consecutive pars in route to victory.
The real story in the world of golf this week was how Rory McIlroy and Charl Schwartzel would fare at the Maybank Malaysian Open one week after the Masters. Both men played solid golf with the green jacket winner Schwartzel finishing a respectable 11th after what was no doubt a whirlwind week for the South African. McIlroy once again found himself in contention on the weekend in Malaysia and finished the tournament in third place behind Gregory Bourdy and eventual winner, 17-year-old Matteo Manassero. For Manassero, it was his second victory on the European Tour before his 18th birthday.
As a result of his win Manassero moves up to 33rd in the World Golf Rankings and Brendan Steele cracks the World’s top 150, coming in at number 132. As for the top ten ranked golfers in the World this week, only a few minor changes with some of the best at home taking off after the Masters.
World Golf Rankings 4-18-11
1. Martin Kaymer (1), Deu, 7.65
2. Lee Westwood (2), Eng, 7.38
3. Luke Donald (3), Eng, 7.02
4. Phil Mickelson (4), USA, 6.63
5. Graeme McDowell (6), Nir, 5.93
6. Tiger Woods (5), USA, 5.89
7. Rory McIlroy (9),Nir, 5.74
8. Paul Casey (7), Eng, 5.68
9. Steve Stricker (9), USA, 5.47
10. Matt Kuchar (10), USA, 5.24
The number in parenthesis is the player’s World Golf Ranking from 4-11-11
