Golf Digest:Paul Casey's victory in the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday has lifted him only one place in the world rankings - but it is a very significant move.
By edging up to 13th Casey has achieved his highest position and as he plays in Qatar this week before facing number one Tiger Woods in Dubai next week the 29-year-old, voted Europe's player of the year for 2006, is obviously looking to keep on climbing.
Padraig Harrington, who will play his golf on the PGA Tour for the next three months, confirmed his place in the top 10 with a fifth-place finish.
Justin Rose's third place at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in California was not what he was hoping for after leading the event for so long - by five shots at one point on Saturday - but it could well have earned him a return to the Masters in April.
By finishing last season 51st in the world Rose missed out on an Augusta spot by 0.01 points to Welshman Bradley Dredge, but anyone in the top 50 the week before the tournament will receive a call-up and the 26-year-old's performance sees him go from 51st to 36th.
Rose was still tied for the lead with one to play but only parred the par five while Americans Charley Hoffman and John Rollins had an eagle and birdie respectively to go into a play-off.
Hoffman won it with a birdie at the first extra hole and, having started the week 197th in the world, he is now 92nd.
There were gusts of 40mph on the final day and a disappointed Rose, who closed with a four-over 76, commented: "I think it was a bit of a shame really because it was survival more than anything. "
LEADING WORLD RANKINGS
1 Tiger Woods (US)19.60pts
2 Jim Furyk (US)8.69
3 Adam Scott (Aus)7.56
4 Phil Mickelson (US)6.30
5 Ernie Els (Rsa)5.92
6 Vijay Singh (Fiji)5.83
7 Luke Donald (Eng)5.61
8 Retief Goosen (Rsa)5.56
9 Padraig Harrington (Ire)5.46
10 Geoff Ogilvy (Aus)5.26
BAN ON MOBILES:Spectators will be banned from taking mobile phones to this year's British Open at Carnoustie after complaints from players during last year's championship at Hoylake.
The Royal and Ancient policy is in line with other majors and the Ryder Cup and follows comments from players, most notably winner Tiger Woods, concerning the excessive numbers in evidence last July at Hoylake.
David Hill, director of championships for the R and A, said: "We have so far resisted the call to ban mobile phones on the grounds that it may be an inconvenience to the public. However, after complaints referring to the numbers in use as play in the Open was proceeding, we feel there is no other reasonable option other than a complete ban.
"As at the Ryder Cup, we believe that spectators will understand that this measure is being put in place to make the Open a more enjoyable experience for all spectators and players.
"I would stress that we will instal additional public telephones for use by members of the general public."
