Zach Moves into Top 10 in World Ranking


With his playoff win over Tiger Woods in the Northwestern Mutual World Challenge on Sunday, Zach Johnson edged into the top 10 in the most recent world golf rankings.

Johnson birdied two of the final three holes at Sherwood Country Club, and carded an amazing par on the 18th hole after holing out from the drop area after his second shot found the water hazard guarding the green. On the first extra hole, Johnson made par to Woods' bogey to secure the title.

His rise to No. 9 in the world is Johnson's first appearance in the top 10 of the official world golf ranking. He replaces Jason day in the top 10; the Aussie dropped to 11th. The victory was Johnson's second in five starts; he also BMW Championship in September.

Woods is still ranked No. 1, followed by Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Matt Kuchar and Steve Stricker. Brandt Snedeker is now 10th.

Also moving up are Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, who won the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa and rose nine places to 25th, and Miguel Angel Jimenez, who jumped from 48th to 38th following his victory in the Hong Kong Open last weekend.