Sunday, October 31st 2010, 3:09 PM

Tiger Woods is no longer top cat.

The disgraced golfer lost his No. 1 spot in the weekly World Golf Rankings Sunday, capping a dismal fall from grace on and off the golf course.

The once undisputed king of the links spent 281 straight weeks, or more than five years, in the coveted top spot and has been in first place for 623 weeks during his storied career. He is now ranked No. 2.

Lee Westwood, 37, of England, took over the top spot, becoming the first European golfer to be No. 1 since Nick Faldo in 1994.

Despite failing to win a major in his career, Westwood has been the most consistent golfer in the world with one tour win and runner-up finishes in the Masters and at the British Open.

Woods' days in the No. 1 slot were numbered once he suffered a knee injury last year that kept him out of major tournaments.

The Thanksgiving weekend domestic meltdown that led to the breakup of Woods' marriage and his exposure as a serial cheater kept him off the tour for months more.

He has struggled ever since to regain his top form.

The ranking is based on points accumulated during a two-year period, meaning it has taken awhile for Woods' slide to knock him from his perch.

German Martin Kaymer looks set to stay at No. 3 after finishing way back in the pack at a Spanish tournament this weekend.

Feel-good Master's winner Phil Mickelson sits at No. 4.

All four top golfers are bunched close together at the top of the rankings and Woods could regain the No. 1 ranking if he can regain his dominance.

Woods and the other three top golfers are all scheduled to play in this week's WGC-HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2010/10/31/2010-10-31_tiger_woods_loses_no_1_overall_ranking_for_first_time_in_623_weeks_lee_westwood_.html#ixzz13zcRzdqu