Rory McIlroy has returned to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking for a ninth spell as World Number One.
The four-time Major winner successfully defended his CJ Cup title on Sunday to win his 23rd PGA TOUR title at Congaree Golf Club in South Carolina, the tournament having moved from Las Vegas.
Victory in his opening PGA TOUR event of the 2022-23 season sees McIlroy replace Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler, who had been the top ranked men’s golfer since March.
McIlroy, who was ranked 14th in the world before his victory in Las Vegas last year, has enjoyed a stellar year on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, with seven top five finishes to his name this season on the DP World Tour.
“It means a lot,” said McIlroy. “I’ve worked so hard over the last 12 months to get myself back to this place. I feel like I’m enjoying the game as much as I ever have.
“I absolutely love the game of golf. When I go out there and I play with that joy, it’s definitely shown over these last 12 months.”
He has led the DP World Tour Rankings in partnership with Rolex since his runner-up finish at The 150th Open at St Andrews in July.
The 33-year-old won the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup for a third time after his victory at the TOUR Championship in August and is bidding to secure the season-long title on the DP World Tour for the first time since 2015.
McIlroy is next scheduled to play at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, the final Rolex Series event of 2022.
Rory McIlroy returns to World Number 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings. 👊 pic.twitter.com/Lt09pAa2dq
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 23, 2022
Asked specifically what he was enjoying about his game, McIlroy added: “Just the journey of trying to get the best out of myself, I think that’s the satisfying thing.
“I never feel like I’ve figured this game out – I don’t think I ever will figure it out – but every day, I wake up trying to get closer.”
