Sunday, December 28, 2008 -- Los Angeles, California – Tiger Woods might lose his long-term status as golf’s number 1 in the first quarter of next year if golfers would take advantage of his indisposition.

Woods has taken a break from playing golf after winning the U.S. Open in June due to a reconstructive knee surgery, of which he is still recuperating from.

Trailing Woods so far is second-ranked Sergio Garcia of Spain who overtook now third placer American Phil Mickelson and fourth-placer Padraig Harrington of Ireland.

Garcia is only 3.865 points away from Woods as the New Year closes. Garcia could close in the gap of points between him and Woods and so could Mickelson and Harrington as it would not be until February 2009 that Woods would be back in action.

To snag the No. 1 spot from Woods, Garcia, Mickelson and Harrington should start 2009 fast and big by winning at least one major tournament as early as possible in the first three months. Among the lucrative events to earn points in the first there months are the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson and the WGC-CA Championship in Miami.

Until Woods is back in shape and us ready to play, his No. 1 spot which he held since June 12, 2005 will remain in danger.