Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy has, once again, risen to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking, sitting at the number one position. He reached the position after his one-shot victory at the CJ Cup on Sunday. A staunch critic of the new LIV Golf series, McIlroy has been world number one on different occasions, and this is the first time in more than two years that he would reach that position. 

McIlroy ended the CJ Cup on Sunday at 17 under and one shot ahead of Kurt Kitayama. The two men were almost tied at some point during the final round, but three straight birdies helped McIlroy maintain his lead and win the title for the second year in a row. The victory also marks his first title for the 2022-2023 PGA Tour year and his third win this year. 

Speaking after the final round, McIlroy commented on how good it felt to be starting the new season with a win: “It feels great to go out there, go out there with a lead, shoot a great score, play really well and get the win. It’s an awesome way to start the season, I guess, and obviously just a continuation of how I feel like I’ve been playing over the last few months.” He understands how much work he has had to put in to reach the number one position again, and he described it as a “big achievement.”

McIlroy has never failed to express his displeasure at his peers who left the PGA to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series. The four-time major winner has assumed the role of the leader of players who are loyal to the PGA Tour, where he has now won 23 titles. For now, he would just focus on defending his ranking while he chases his fifth major victory. 

Leon Osamor