Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - John Merrick topped Charlie Beljan on the second playoff hole at the Northern Trust Open to advance into the top 100 in this week's world golf rankings.
Merrick's first career PGA title vaulted him 167 spots to 74th place.
The top four players remained the same, with Rory McIlroy holding the top spot followed by Tiger Woods, Luke Donald and Brandt Snedeker.
Louis Oosthuizen and Justin Rose swapped positions to sit in fifth and sixth, respectively, while Adam Scott stayed at seventh and Lee Westwood held firm in eighth.
Phil Mickelson jumped up a spot to rank ninth. He replaced Bubba Watson, who fell a position to round out the top 10.
Charl Schwartzel tied for third pace at the Riviera Country Club to move up five spots into 11th. Jason Dufner remained in 12th and Ian Poulter dropped two positions to sit in 13th.
Sergio Garcia held firm in 14th, Keegan Bradley stayed at 15th. Steve Stricker fell three to No. 16, and Webb Simpson and Dustin Johnson switched spots to sit in 17th and 18th. Graeme McDowell and Peter Hanson stayed put to finish the top 20.
Darren Fichardt captured his first European title at the Africa Open to advance 46 spots to No. 100.
