Rory McIlroy could return to World No 1 at this week’s Match Play
Rory McIlroy will have a little added motivation at this week’s WGC-Match Play Championship in Texas with a chance to return to the top of the world rankings.
Of course, that will be far from an easy task as the Northern Irishman would need to beat every player in the 64-man field and emerge victorious.
Even then, he would need Dustin Johnson to miss out on a semi-final spot and hope Justin Rose doesn’t finish second or third.
No.1 watch:@McIlroyRory can return to No.1 in the world with a win at @DellMatchPlay, if @DJohnsonPGA doesn't make the SF and if @JustinRose99 doesn't finish 2nd or 3rd. #OWGR
— Nosferatu (@VC606) March 25, 2019
Nevertheless, the chance remains, and it would be a significant achievement for McIlroy, who last held the No 1 spot over three and a half years ago.
McIlroy has spent a combined 95 weeks atop the Official World Golf Ranking, the fourth-longest reign since the rankings began in 1986.
He has been in superb form so far in 2019, with five top-six finishes and a victory in six starts on the PGA Tour so far.
His world ranking has already improved from 11th to fourth since the start of the year.
Latest
-
NewsChristiaan Bezuidenhout claims four-shot victory at Alfred Dunhill Championship
The South African was a picture of consistency down the stretch as those around him faltered.
-
NewsAdrian Meronk keeps victory bid on course in Alfred Dunhill Championship
The Pole takes a one-shot lead into the final round at Leopard Creek.
-
NewsEuropean Tour CEO Keith Pelley eases fears of PGA Tour takeover
If a takeover were to happen, Keith Pelley says, it’s still “miles away”.
-
NewsAdrian Meronk opens up three-shot lead at Alfred Dunhill Championship
Meronk became the first Polish player to share the lead at a European Tour event.
-
NewsLocal knowledge helps Robin Roussel claim a share of the Alfred Dunhill lead
Scotland’s Scott Jamieson lies a shot behind following a 66.
-
NewsPaul Casey a surprise entrant for 2021 Saudi International
Casey opted out of the inaugural event in 2019, citing concerns over the country’s human rights record.
-
NewsJoy, relief as golf courses in England given green light to reopen from December 2
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the good news on Monday.
-
NewsJoachim B Hansen makes up for Italian Open disappointment with Joburg victory
The Dane withdrew from the final round in Italy after his caddie tested positive for Covid-19.
-
NewsJoachim B Hansen launches late fightback to win Joburg Open
Hansen trailed by three shots with nine holes to play but won by two strokes.
-
NewsMatt Wallace shrugs off loss of caddie to Covid-19 to grab share of RSM Classic lead
Wallace’s regular caddie, Dave McNeilly, tested positive for Covid but a local caddie was ready to step in.