Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Here are some rantings from the world of professional golf. Sort of.

TIMES ARE CHANGING

It was inevitable. I'm not talking about Tiger's fall from the top spot in the World Rankings, I'm talking about the tweaking of my weekly column.

I alluded to it last week that this column would change in the coming weeks, but what I did not realize that the change would come exactly seven days later. Here are a few reasons why the need for change, and what exactly those changes will be.

Let's handle the second part first. Ideally, the top part of the weekly column will remain a short column about my thoughts on one specific aspect of the world of professional or amateur golf. In some instances, it will be about my experiences with golf, but that's only when my ego needs a major stroking.

For the purposes of providing an example of what I'm talking about, take this column. Me describing what will be in future columns, is an example of the new "top column." Trippy, huh? Makes you want to listen to Pink Floyd albums, doesn't it?

After the "top column," I will delve into five relevant questions about what happened the previous week, or what will happen in future weeks. Immediately after the Q&A portion, I will give my week-by-week top-10 rankings for men's golf, Champions players and LPGA Tour players. These are based on one scientific equation, whomever I think is the best in the world at the time.

Why change such a brilliant piece of writing when you are so young, yet clearly in your prime?

I feel this new way allows me to handle golf issues in a more succinct manner. I sometimes feel hamstrung in that I try to handle one issue with the majority of column space, then tend to cram all other opinions in a section entitled, "Random Thoughts," which stays by the way, although in one or two sentence per thought.

Fortunately for all of you, this is a work in progress and any feedback is encouraged. I think it will ultimately allow my opinions to flow in a better manner. If it doesn't work, I'll come up something better.

Without any further adieu, let's get into the questions, and don't read anything into the number of questions. Although the television personality who did that bit left his job, and I was a big fan, please nobody ask about that. Or sue me.

1.) It's finally over. What do you make of Vijay Singh overtaking Tiger Woods atop the World Golf Rankings?

It was inevitable for several reasons. One, Tiger could not perform at the level he did when he dominated sports in 2000, forever. Secondly, these veterans were not going to let some pup come in and upstage them for that long. Thirdly, Singh plays more events and that can hurt him in the World Ranking, but since he is playing out of his golf spikes, that helps. Finally, Vijay is playing better golf than Tiger and it starts with the fairways. Tiger doesn't hit them, therefore can't get close, then misses long putts.

2.) How long will Vijay survive in first?

For a little while. The margin is pretty close between Tiger and Vijay obviously, but Ernie and Phil are still a ways away. Singh playing in so many events can bite him as well because one bad week, can drag you down. Especially for Singh who tends to play in some events where the field is not...what's the word...good.

3.) Which team has the advantage heading into the Ryder Cup?

Europe. Luke Donald, the captain's pick that was as obvious as Monty, won the European Masters and the two closest competitors on Sunday were Sergio Garcia and Miguel Angel Jimenez. Tiger played well in a second-place tie at the Deutsche Bank Championship and Stewart Cink won the NEC Invitational, but that was a few weeks ago. The real decision comes this week because everyone, but Donald and Garcia are in the field at the German Masters (presumably cheaper airfare if they all fly out at once). For the U.S., seven of the 12 are teeing it up at the Canadian Open.

4.) Is Craig Stadler the hottest player in the world of golf?

Either Stadler or Singh. Stadler won the Tradition last week when no other player in the entire field seemed like they wanted to win. Then he came back to win the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, which, if it weren't for amateur participation, would be one of the majors. Stadler won the Tradition from behind, then he made every single putt he looked at and blew away the field at Pebble.

5.) With David Duval making the cut at the Deutsche Bank Championship, is he back?

Hard to say, but I lean toward no. I will say that he looked better than anytime since his British Open victory, but that was his first made cut in 14 months. In thinking about this, I always believed that Duval's problems were not mental, but he came back too soon from the back injury. They say it takes a football player almost three years before they return full-strength from a knee injury and maybe the same principle applies with a back injury in golf. Duval has other interests in golf and now a family, so I still think the jury is out.

RANKINGS

Men 1. Vijay Singh - No doubt. Six wins this year, including a major and finally the No. 1 ranking. 2. Phil Mickelson - His major record is too strong to have him anywhere else. I still consider him in the Player of the Year hunt if he wins everything else he plays, including the Tour Championship and American Express Championship. 3. Tiger Woods - Clearly not the Tiger of old, but still finishes in the top- five. Weird. 4. Ernie Els - International star with wins in the U.S. and Europe. 5. Retief Goosen - If you win the U.S. Open, you're up there. 6. Adam Scott 7. Jim Furyk 8. Davis Love III 9. Miguel Angel Jimenez 10. Luke Donald

Champions 1. Craig Stadler - Four wins, including a major and the win at Pebble Beach solidified the ranking because he won at the most difficult venue. 2. Peter Jacobsen - Anytime he teed it up on the Champions Tour, he's contended. 3. Hale Irwin - Until he shuts down, he'll be on this list. 4. Jay Haas - Playing on the Ryder Cup and his worst finish on the Champions Tour was a tie for third. 5. Bruce Fleisher - Two wins this year and the greatest living example of what a mulligan this tour is. 6. Mark James 7. Tom Kite 8. Jim Thorpe 9. Tom Watson 10. Gil Morgan

LPGA 1. Annika Sorenstam - If you need to know why, go read something else. Like your shampoo bottle. 2. Lorena Ochoa - Always near the top of the leader board and has two wins and 10 top-fives. 3. Meg Mallon - Three wins, including the U.S. Women's Open. A career turnaround. 4. Cristie Kerr - Three wins turned her from close contender to bonafide star. Used to be a poor closer but held on this past Sunday against Christina Kim. 5. Grace Park - Multiple wins and a major. That's fine. 6. Se Ri Pak 7. Jenny Rosales 8. Mi Hyun Kim 9. Karrie Webb 10. Hee-Won Han

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Hal Sutton has been a great Ryder Cup captain, but has yet to hit his stride in the booth. More about what the fellas think out there and in the locker room and less golf phrases.

Christina Kim is good for women's golf. She reacts to good shots and the crowd responds to her. That easy.

The First Tee Open on the Champions Tour will be one of the high spots of the tour year in and year out. Pairing young players with seniors is brilliant because they, the 50-somethings, are more interested in the youngsters than they are pocketing a paycheck. Playing it at Pebble was another stroke of brilliance because the players love the course. Nice job all around.