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I think it's pretty clear that Phil has a goal of one day becoming the #1 golfer in the World. Unfortunately, there's a guy named Tiger Woods ahead of him. Now that he's switched to Butch Harmon as coach, I was wondering whether people think Phil has a chance of becoming #1 in the World?

Reading articles of the switch, I think it's quite obvious that Phil doesn't have a chance this year but Butch seems to think it's possible in the next few years.

What do you all think?

Not with Tiger around.

Unless Tiger decides to completely rebuild his swing again.

It's possible. Not because I think Lefty compares favorably to Woods on a head to head basis, but because the No. 1 player is entering a new phase of his life (fatherhood & course design).

Think about all of the years between 1962-78 when Jack, for whatever reason, was less than dominant. Now granted he won at least two tournaments each of those 17 years, and never finished outside of the top four. But in over half of those seasons, someone else won more often or took the money title; in two thirds of those seasons, someone else was POTY. If official WR existed back then, no doubt Trevino, Miller, and Watson would have spent some time supplanting the Golden Bear at the top of the food chain.

If, however, Tiger somehow maintains the standard of excellance he has maintained for most of the last decade, nope, no chance for anyone. He is human, though, and a 2-3 year mini-slump is always possible.

I don't think course design would really affect Tigers game but perhaps becoming a father might. Tiger has been just so head and shoulders above the rest this past year it's tough to imagine Phil beating him but I suppose it would be quite tough to be so consistently good.

Here is the reason why I say "yes".

Tiger can become injured. Tiger can choose to walk away from PGA Golf before Phil. Tiger has not had a life event like a child come into his life before, this can certainly change his perspective, and may expedite his walking away from the game.

Phil seeing Butch is the perfect move by him. He needs to play better tee to green and Butch is the man for this.

I don't think any of these scenarios are likely, but the question was "will Phil ever become #1"?

Can be Phil be number !? Never! Forget about Tiger, he has to beat the new young guns coming up, Rose, Scott, Ogilvy , Donald, Baddley, Casey, Sergio et al before he thinks he is going to be number 1 in the next 2 - 3 years. And lets not forget Phil who would be 40 in 3 years and pls he is no Vijay.

Butch did not make Tiger, Its Tiger that made Butch. When last did Butch churn out a major winner since 2003? If anything this would make Tiger practise harder just to prove a point.

BTW Kids would not affect Tiger. The contrary, it would spur him on to be better. Did people not say his Dads death would have an affect on him? Did people not say marriage would slow him down? Look closely at the patterns:

After his marriage in Oct 2004, he went on to dominate in 2005

After his Dads death in 20006 he went on an amazing streak

After his Kids Birth he'd go on to greater heights.

You still don’t get it? This is a guy who still wakes up at 5.30am and jogs a couple 5 - 8 miles every morning while the most of the world are still in bed too lazy to get up. This is a guy who even makes his bed after waking up in hotel room. ( like he needs to ) Look at these tiny details and you would have the answer as to why Tiger wont lose focus. Hard work and dedication is a habit not a chore. This is not your sports star that gets carried away with all the glamour and riches of the world.

Phil the new Number 1? Lets see him be the new number 2 and then make up 13 points before we can start having this funny conversation. Tiger is not going anywhere!

Plain and simple: No!

He's a great player who in many other eras would be #1 in the world. But with Tiger around, it's simply not going to happen.

I chose no.

Firstly, TW's lead in the rankings seems large enough that it can withstand another swing change!

Secondly, I am not at all convinced that Phil will be the prime candidate to take over the #1 ranking, when TW loses it.

No, Phil **** under pressure and Tiger craves the pressure, Phil just doesent have what it takes to be #1, I agree Phil is a good player but he just doesent have it in him to overtake Tiger for that #1 spot

He can be #1 but it's all about how long can he stay at #1 ? Tiger might make another swing change or decide to concentrate on starting a family. Vijay was #1 for a little while but nobody remembers that now.

Phil is a gambler and will never become #1 he had his chance 2 years ago !

Simply said... No.

Looks like a good majority of the members here think no. Not too far fetched considering he has Tiger as his competition.

I would actually believe Vijay has a better chance, just because he plays twice the amount of rounds than Tiger or Phil do and if he can stay in the top of the boards, he could take the poisiotn just by being consistant. The more you play the more points you get.

I wish Phil all the luck in the world. He is just in a slump now. PS i hope