Rory McIlroy has returned to the summit of the golf world rankings, after his victory on the PGA Tour yesterday, as he retained the CJ Cup.
A string of four birdies in five holes, from the 12 to the 16th, gave McIlroy a cushion with two holes to play, and his win was more comfortable than the one shot over Kurt Kitayama suggests.
South Korea's K.H. Lee took third spot, while Tommy Fleetwood and Jon Rahn both finished in a tie for 4th.
McIlroy was visibly emotional following the win, as he discussed the hard work put in to get back to the no. 1 spot, and continues to play the most consistently excellent golf of any professional on tour.
However, despite his consistency, a first major win since 2014 will be far and away the main goal for McIlroy this season.
Rory McIlroy Gets Back To The Top Of The Rankings
True character ❤️
90 minutes after the winning putt, @McIlroyRory returned to sign autographs for every single fan that waited for him @CJCUPSC. pic.twitter.com/dkJCMVkJ6H— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 24, 2022
READ HERE: 'I Don’t Think Anyone With A Logical View Can Agree With It,' McIlroy Hits Back At Phil
"It feels great to go out there, go out there with a lead, shoot a great score, play really well and get the win," Rory McIlroy said following 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."
It means a lot. 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 and I think that when I go out there and I play with that joy, it's definitely showed over these last 12 months.
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