Johannesburg, Apr 29 - Golf's world No. 1 Tiger Woods has maintained his dominance atop the latest world rankings despite his continued absence from competitive golf following back surgery.

The 14-time Major winning American was treated for a bulging disc in his spine in late March and subsequently pulled out of the US Masters, and he is in serious doubt for the US Open at Pinehurst in mid-June although it is speculated that he may return to action at the British Open on July 17.

According to Sport24, Australian Adam Scott maintained his second position while third-placed Swede Henrik Stenson closed the gap slightly with a tie for fifth in the China Open, and Northern Irish ace Rory McIlroy has fallen down to the eleventh spot.

Rankings:

1.     Tiger Woods (USA) 8.46

2.     Adam Scott (Australia) 8.18

3.     Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 8.00

4.    Bubba Watson (USA) 7.35

5.    Matt Kuchar (USA) 7.14

6.    Jason Day (Australia) 6.70

7.    Jordan Spieth (USA) 6.02

8.    Sergio Garcia (Spain) 5.90

9.    Phil Mickelson (USA) 5.85

10. Justin Rose (England) 5.80 (ANI)