Tiger Woods Still ‘Best Player In The Game,’ According To Martin Kaymer

Tiger Woods might be listed as the No. 3 in the world, but the two highest-ranked golfers, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, believe he’s good for the game of golf.

Westwood, Kaymer and Woods all face off this week in the Dubai Desert Classic, where Kaymer will use the skills he’s fined tune from watching Woods play.

“When I’m not playing a tournament and I’m watching, say, somewhere in the States, I’m watching how Tiger is playing,” the top-ranked Westwood said. “I’m seeing if he’s playing well. He’s exciting to watch for everybody.”

Wood’s recent struggles - including a tie for 44th at the Farmers Insurance Open - have led to discussion about whether the 35-year-old will ever return to top performance.

Not to Kaymer.

“He’s the best player in the game,” Kaymer said. “At the moment, Lee and me, we are No. 1 and 2. But in every golfer’s mind, he is the best player in the world. And it would be fantastic if he can get back to where he was and then we challenge him.”

Mark O’Meara, who is also playing in Dubai, assures that Woods will win several tournaments this year and maybe even a major.

“I’d never underestimate what Tiger is capable of doing,” he said. “He may not be swinging the best. He may not be the most confident player right now. But saying all that, Tiger being Tiger, he has fought back before and he will fight back from this.”