Cink returns to golf’s Top 10

Stewart Cink’s playoff victory at the British Open returned him to the Top 10 in the world men’s golf rankings released Monday.

The 138th British Open will be remembered as the one that eluded 59-year-old Tom Watson, but Cink needed a clutch 15-foot birdie putt at No. 18 to get into position to win. When Watson missed his par putt on the 72nd hole, he was forced into a playoff that Cink won easily.

It was the first major championship for Cink and moved him from 33rd to No. 9 in the latest golf rankings. He has previously been ranked as high as No. 5 in the world.

Last week’s results brought many changes across the rankings, except at the very top. Tiger Woods, who missed the cut at the British Open, remains No. 1, followed by Phil Mickelson, who missed the Open due to family health concerns.

Paul Casey is third followed by, in order, Kenny Perry, Sergio Garcia and Steve Stricker.

Henrik Stenson improved one spot to No. 7 with Geoff Ogilvy slipping one place to eighth. Jim Furyk, ninth last week, is 10th. Vijay Singh dropped from 10th to 11th.