Former world number one Greg Norman said yesterday the end of Tiger Woods’s 281-week run at the top of golf’s global rankings was good for the game.

Either Lee Westwood or Martin Kaymer will take Woods’s crown this weekend, unseating the American for the first time since he reclaimed the top spot from Fiji’s Vijay Singh in 2005.

Norman, known to his fans as the Great White Shark, said that either player would be worthy of the accolade.

“I think it’s fantastic for the game of golf, number one. I think it’s always good that it’s a change and a change for global golf,” Norman said.

“Irrespective (of who takes the top spot), I think it’s great for the game of golf.

“No disrespect to Tiger, but to see what’s happening with the Ryder Cup, to see what’s happening here in China and to see what’s happening with the new number one, I think it’s fantastic.”

The veteran Australian said that Westwood’s lack of a major competition win did not mean he was undeserving of the top spot.

“Westwood has been a consistent performer and Tiger hasn’t won a tournament this year, so does that make him worthy?” Norman said.

“The numbers stack up and he’s performed consistently week in, week out, more than anybody else.”

Kaymer needs to finish in the top two at the Andalucia Masters this weekend to unseat Woods, while Westwood – currently out resting a calf injury – will take top spot if the German fails to achieve that.

Norman is in southern China competing in the inaugural Star Trophy pro-celebrity tournament, where he shot a four-over-par 77 first round as he competed for a $1.28m winner’s prize.