Rory McIlroy has renewed his feud with LIV Golf boss Greg Norman, amid his fight to return to the world No. 1 spot. He could become the world's top golfer once more this week if the leaderboard falls his way at the CJ Cup in South Carolina.
The Northern Irishman has been absent from the spot for the last two years, having previously spent 106 weeks at world No. 1. But with a return to the summit in sight, McIlroy was quizzed on a potential return and the length of time he was hoping to stay there.
In the answer, the four-time major champion had time to take a sly dig at LIV CEO Norman - who spent 331 weeks in top spot during his playing career - by looking to better the Australian's stay by one.
When asked about his world No. 1 target, McIlroy replied: "332 [weeks]. I don’t know if I can, but that’s a number in my head. To get to No 1 in the world at whatever you do is an unbelievable accolade and something that you should be proud of.
"I have an opportunity to do it this week and I’m proud of the fact that I’ve at least given myself that chance.” The 32-year-old has left himself in an ideal spot to chase down Scottie Scheffler's world No. 1 spot, and the CJ Cup title, as he sits fifth in the standings at the half way point on nine-under-par, two shots being leader Jon Rahm.
His comments in South Carolina are not the first time McIlroy has looked to eclipse Norman. After securing victory at this year's Canadian Open McIlroy earned his 21st PGA Tour title, one more than Norman.
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Alluding to this point after his win he said: "I had [the] extra motivation of what’s going on across the pond. The guy that’s spearheading that tour [Norman] has 20 wins on the PGA Tour. I was tied with him and I wanted to get one ahead of him.
"And I did. So, that was really cool for me, just a little sense of pride on that one.” Norman later responded: "I take it as a compliment that Rory wanted to beat my 20 PGA Tour wins. His next goal should be to win more than 91 tournaments globally or to maintain No 1 in the world for more than 331 weeks.”
To become world No. 1 come Monday, McIlroy needs to be crowned champion at this week's event, and Scheffler to finish worse than solo second place. Alternatively, if the Northern Irishman finishes second and Scheffler finishes outside the top 34 that will also prove enough to crown him the world's best golfer.
