Rory McIlroy returned to world No 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time since July 2020 as he won his 23rd PGA tour win of his career to retain the CJ cup in South Carolina.
The Northern Irishman carded an impressive four-under 67 in the final round to finish 17-under for the tournament and one shot clear of USA’s Kurt Kitayama.
His title defence secured his third win of the year and means he leapfrogs Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler at the top of the rankings after holding golf’s top spot for 25 weeks.
McIlroy’s next scheduled appearance is at the DP World Tour championship in Dubai, with the 33-year-old currently top of the season-long standings and looking to win the Order of Merit for a fourth time.