Despite highest score ever, Tiger Woods to stay No. 1 another week as Mickelson crumbles

Tiger stays No. 1 as Mickelson crumbles

AKRON, Ohio — Despite the highest score of his career, Tiger Woods will stay No. 1 in the world for another week.

Phil Mickelson had a chance to become No. 1 in the world ranking for the first time in his career after Woods tied for 78th at the Bridgestone Invitational. That meant Mickelson needed only to finish alone in fourth place Sunday, and he started the final round four shots out of the lead.

Instead, he three-putted from four feet on the ninth hole and shot a 41 on the back nine. He made only one birdie and shot 78.

It was the first time since the 1998 British Open that Woods and Mickelson both shot 77 or higher.

Mickelson will have another chance to go to No. 1 next week at the PGA Championship.