A world golf rankings list without Tiger Woods atop it is an unfamiliar sight, but 2010 has been nothing if not different for the player who remains the game's undisputed superstar.

The ascent of England's Lee Westwood to the world No 1 ranking as of Monday sees Woods' 281-week tenure at the top end.

The moment offered little drama, with both Westwood and Woods idle last week. And the American's No 1 spot had already been under threat for much of the season.

"It has been a different year," Woods noted in September, as he reflected on a 2010 that started amid scandal over his extra-marital affairs and has left him - so far - in search of even one title.

Woods, 34, has only two top-five finishes in 12 PGA Tour events. His pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles has stalled at 14 - his last coming at the 2008 US Open.

Until this year - when Masters champion Phil Mickelson has challenged steadily, if unsuccessfully - for the top spot since May, Woods had faced only one potential dethroning in two years.