Luke Donald says he doesn't regret sitting out the Honda Classic last week, despite losing the World No 1 ranking.
Had the Englishman been at Palm Beach Gardens, he may have been able to do something about Rory McIlroy's rise, but Donald insists it's not the world rankings he's concerned about - it's the majors.
"It's still nice to be number one, don't get me wrong," said the 34-year-old, who will be in Miami this week, playing the first two rounds with McIlroy and Lee Westwood.
"But when Tiger was number one no-one really talked about the world rankings much.
"I'm not sure that the players are quite as concerned with it as maybe you guys (the media) or the fans at least.
"I try not to get too wrapped up in it."
Donald did consider entering the Honda Classic at the last minute, however, but decided against it.
"The sole reason was purely schedule. Last year I played four in a row quite a few times and just felt a little burnt out for the fourth one. I wanted to try to get away from that.
"After losing early in the Match Play (in the first round to Ernie Els) I considered playing, but to be honest my focus is to really be prepared for this week and going forward and obviously especially in four weeks."
That's the Masters in four weeks, already shaping up to be one to remember.
"So it wasn't really a hard decision. I feel a little bit bad that I didn't play because it is in my back garden and I'm a past winner - not at that course - but I just thought in terms of my schedule it was the best thing to do."
On current form, Donald isn't exactly looking like one of the favourites for Augusta - he hasn't had a top 10 in his last four starts.
"Obviously I'm trying to find a bit of form and get back in position where I've got chances to win some tournaments," he said.
"It's been a slow start to the year, but again something I'm not overly-concerned with. I feel like I'm progressing - I just need to transfer it from the range to the course.
"Rory has had a tremendous run. He's been extremely consistent and obviously the win last week was impressive.
"That's the way the rankings work. If you struggle a little bit with your game you're going to drop down.
"You compare what Rory is starting to do now at a very young age, it does have some similarities to what Tiger did.
"Obviously their records are not comparable at the moment - Rory still has a way to go - but Rory has started to show a huge amount of talent and he's starting to win more now.
"Whether there's a rivalry or not I think it's exciting for golf. Tiger is Tiger - his record precedes him and he's someone who brings in crowds and a big atmosphere and hikes up TV ratings.
"I think Rory is starting to do that. He's an explosive player and people like to follow him."
Donald was also asked about the supposed rivalry between Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy.
"I suppose there's a little bit of not tension, but a lot of energy in their match at the Match Play (McIlroy won the semi-final from three down).
"Maybe they will focus on each other again and I can just slip away and make some birdies without them noticing.
"From what I can see they are still very chatty towards each other. There's no animosity from Rory moving away from Chubby and his group - I think it was just a business decision and that's the way they saw it."
golf365.com