Woods - Beckham is number one global athlete

Tiger Woods may be big but the world’s top-ranked golfer can come up with at least one athlete who he feels trumps him on a world-wide stage.

Woods named former England captain and LA Galaxy newcomer David Beckham when he was asked for his most influential athlete on a global scale.

The American – speaking at Southern Hills ahead of the USPGA, which starts on Thursday – was asked for his thoughts on the fact that various polls and publications have voted him the most influential athlete in the world.

Woods recently won the “Who’s Now” poll conducted by ESPN, in which he beat NBA star LeBron James in the final.

Beckham was outvoted by San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson in the first round of the “Who’s Now” vote.

But Woods said: “It’s pretty funny actually. As far as world athletes, I don’t see how Beckham didn’t beat me.

“As far as global figures, he’s probably far more global than I am.

“Golf is not truly played all around the world, it’s played in most places, but not like soccer or football is.

“I think that whole ”Who’s Now“ was just about in America. If it had gone globally, it would have probably been different.”

There were a couple of other international athletes in the ESPN competition but neither fared any better than Beckham.

Barcelona’s Brazilian international Ronaldinho was ousted in the first round by Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Roger Federer, the top tennis player in the world, was unable to get past San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker in a first-round match.