ORLANDO, Fla. _ The No. 1 ranking is up for grabs this week at Bay Hill, but what's new?
Every week is pretty much the same story.
Justin Rose, who fell to No. 2 behind Dustin Johnson last week, could retake the top spot during this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club and Lodge with a strong showing. World No. 3 Brooks Koepka, who passed Justin Thomas, following a runner-up finish at last week's Honda Classic, could move back into the top spot with a win.
The sudden movement and volatility at the top of the official world rankings rarely has been more dramatic or involved three or four players with major championships on their resumes.
"If one guy plays well a certain week, he can take that top spot _ which is nice," Rose said Wednesday. "I think it's good to have that competition for the top spot."
Rose joined the PGA Tour in 2013, when there was little competition for No. 1. From Aug. 15, 1999, to Oct. 31, 2010, Tiger Woods sat atop the rankings all but 32 weeks when Vijay Singh did.
Since late 2010, 11 golfers have reached No. 1. Since March of 2017, Rose, Johnson, Koepka and Thomas each has reached the position.
Rose suspects fans prefer a clear No. 1 player, given the rankings system is hard to decipher. This past week, Johnson did not play but moved back to the top spot because the rankings are based on a two-year period.
"People like to have a, you know, undisputed No. 1," Rose said. "I think it can be confusing for people when someone takes a week off ... and someone can retake the top spot by not playing."
Rose expects the chaos and calculations to continue, but would like to simplify things for everyone.
"It's been a fun little shuffle to be a part of, and although I'm No. 2 now that's motivation to get back to No. 1," he said. "You really enjoy being there. You get comfortable being there. But at the same time it's not a priority.
"I think I need to focus on the winning part of things, which ultimately takes care of the ranking."
There is a good chance this week Rose will be in the Sunday mix. He has three top-3 finishes at Bay Hill since 2011.
