Tom Watson's performance at the 2009 British Open still reigns supreme. (Courtesy of Ian Tilbrook)

When is comes to golf's most important rankings, Tiger Woods' win was no match for Tom Watson's loss

By William K. Wolfrum,
Contributor

Here at the Golfer Supremacy Rankings, we've taken some time off to recalibrate our computer, mostly due to our new "Wolfrum Alpha" software. But these days, practically has finally met up with technology, and we're ready to share with the world everything we've learned the past few weeks and how it works out in our golf rankings.

Of course, with one major exception, things are the same as they ever were, but you can blame Tiger Woods for that.

Golfer Supremacy Rankings

1. Tom Watson

Comments: Even a couple weeks later, Watson's amazing British Open still dominates all in the world of golf. At 59, Watson came within one 7-foot putt of gaining his sixth Claret Jug and shattering the record for oldest player to ever win a major. Sadly, the putt didn't fall. Who knows if we've seen the last of Watson as a contender, but make no mistake about it, Tom Watson coming in second at the Open is the most extreme sporting moment of the year.

2. Tiger Woods

Comments: It's been a tough stretch for Woods, who has seen his debut golf course design in Dubai get put on hold, and saw his golf swing implode at the British Open. He was even lambasted by Rick Reilly of ESPN for being too much of a hothead on the course. But missed cuts, angry outbursts and botched business deals have no chance when Tiger remembers that he's Tiger. Woods won the Buick Open for his 69th career PGA Tour victory, proving that his game is as good as ever. And perhaps proving that no one has done more for American cars that Tiger Woods, except for maybe Barack Obama.

3. Catriona Matthew

Comments: Ten weeks ago, Matthew was giving birth to her second child, today, she's a major tournament winner after taking home the Ricoh Women's British Open, holding off Karrie Webb for the victory. It was the third career victory for Matthew on the LPGA Tour and one she definitely labored to win.

4. Michelle Wie

Comments: Sitting in 17th on the LPGA money list, Wie had to expect some free offer would be thrown her way, and it was - Wie was named as a wild-card member of the Solheim Cup. For a teen that has yet to win anything as a professional, Wie continues to show that there are many out there willing to give her more chances to show off her prowess at not winning things.

Random Factoid: Just how bad are the Detroit Lions? Well, wide receiver Bryant Johnson is going to miss the start of training camp because of injuries he suffered in a golf cart accident at his home. And he wasn't even playing golf. Yes, even moonlighting golf carts can destroy the Detroit Lions.

August 3, 2009

William K. Wolfrum keeps one eye on the PGA Tour and another watching golf vacation hotspots and letting travelers in on the best place to vacation. You can follow him on Twitter @Wolfrum.