Rory McIlroy fought back tears of joy after becoming world No.1 for the ninth time last night. The Ulsterman carded seven birdies in his closing 67 - including a hat-trick on the back nine - to defend his title at The CJ Cup with a one-shot win over American Kurt Kitayama.
It is his 23rd PGA Tour title by the age of 33- and his first time back at the top of the rankings since July 2020. McIlroy has not won a Major since 2014 and has tinkered with his swing searching for a return to the top of the game.
Starting with his runner-up finish to Scottie Scheffler at the Masters, McIlroy has now won three times and racked up another nine top-10 finishes in his last 15 events to replace the American as world No.1
His hot form has coincided with becoming the chief spokesman for the PGA Tour in the civil war with LIV Golf. When McIlroy won this title in Las Vegas last October, he had fallen down to world No.14 after a disastrous Ryder Cup
“It means a lot,” said an emotional McIlroy. “I have worked so hard over the last 12 months to get myself back to this place. I feel like I am enjoying the game as much as I ever have. I absolutely love the game of golf.
"And when I go out there and show that joy, it has definitely shown over the last 12 months. It feels awesome. I am looking forward to celebrating with my team tonight. It is a big achievement. I am really proud of myself right now.
"Why am I enjoying it more? The journey of trying to get the best out of myself. I think that is the satisfying thing. I never think I have figured this game out - I don’t think I will ever figure it out. But every day I wake up trying to get closer.”
McIlroy took a three-shot lead after birdies on 14, 15 and 16 and could even afford to bogey his final two holes at the Congaree Golf Club in South Carolina. Tommy Fleetwood followed his opening 73 with rounds of 66, 66 and 65 to finish tied fourth with Jon Rahm (69).
