RORY McILROY fought again tears as he returned to the highest of golf’s world rankings with a profitable defence of the CJ Cup.
The Northern Irishman’s one-shot victory in South Carolina noticed him turn out to be world No 1 once more for the primary time since July 2020.
2
2
He stormed previous Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, who completed down the sphere in a share of forty fifth place.
Former world No 1s Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth had been additionally among the many also-rans.
McIlroy bought choked up as he revealed how a lot it meant to him to take high spot as soon as extra. He mentioned: “Getting again to No 1 means loads.
“I’ve labored so laborious to get myself again to this place.
“To exit with the lead and play some nice golf to get the win feels superior.
“I like the sport of golf and I feel that pleasure has shone by way of in the best way I’ve performed this 12 months.”
McIlroy, 33, was degree with fast-improving American Kurt Kitayama on 16 underneath par with 5 holes to play.
However he confirmed his class with a surprising hat-trick of birdies from the 14th.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
That meant he may afford bogeys on 17 and 18 as he eased to a ultimate spherical of 67 to complete on 17 underneath.
Whereas Kitayama missed a 25-footer for birdie on the 18th that may have compelled a play-off.
McIlroy, who claimed his third win of 2022, added: “The birdie on the troublesome 14th was the turning level for me. I managed to separate myself after that.
“It’s an enormous achievement and I actually need to take pleasure in this. I can’t wait to have a good time with my group.”
