Scottie Scheffler. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay could tie for world No. 1

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/18/23

We already know that the Official World Golf Ranking system has its quirks and flaws. Heck, Cam Smith is still ranked No. 3 in the world even though he doesn't qualify for points anymore. This funky ranking system could also result in a first in the ranking era: A tie for the No. 1 spot.

According to Twitter-based OWGR expert Nosferatu, there is a chance that world No. 2 Scottie Scheffler and No. 4 Patrick Cantlay could dethrone Rory McIlroy and share the No. 1 spot after The American Express tournament this weekend in La Quinta, California. Per the expert, Cantlay would have to win outright and Scheffler would have to end solo eighth.

BREAKING

As things stand now, if Patrick Cantlay wins @theamexgolf and Scottie Scheffler finishes solo 8th, those two could share the No.1 place in the world rankings and Rory will drop to #3... #OWGR

(that will change if there are further changes in the field)
— Nosferatu (@VC606) January 17, 2023

Scheffler, 26, held the coveted No. 1 spot for 30 weeks, spanning from March to October 2022. The 2022 Masters Champion was dethroned by McIlroy after the Irishman won the CJ Cup, claiming the top spot in the world for the ninth time in his career.

Now, as the expert already stated, the chances of Scheffler and Cantlay sharing the No. 1 spot could change if the field for this weekend's tournament changes ahead of tee times on Thursday. Nevertheless, the thought of having two first-place golfers in the world is certainly interesting.

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