RORY McILROY fought back tears as he returned to the top of golf’s world rankings with a successful defence of the CJ Cup.
The Northern Irishman’s one-shot victory in South Carolina saw him become world No 1 again for the first time since July 2020.
Rory McIlroy won the CJ Open to climb back to world No 1Getty Images – Getty
McIlroy was emotional after climbing back to the top of the rankingsGetty Images – Getty
He stormed past Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, who finished down the field in a share of 45th place.
Former world No 1s Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth were also among the also-rans.
McIlroy got choked up as he revealed how much it meant to him to take top spot once more. He said: “Getting back to No 1 means a lot.
“I have worked so hard to get myself back to this place.
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“To go out with the lead and play some great golf to get the win feels awesome.
“I love the game of golf and I think that joy has shone through in the way I’ve played this year.”
McIlroy, 33, was level with fast-improving American Kurt Kitayama on 16 under par with five holes to play.
But he showed his class with a stunning hat-trick of birdies from the 14th.
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That meant he could afford bogeys on 17 and 18 as he eased to a final round of 67 to finish on 17 under.
While Kitayama missed a 25-footer for birdie on the 18th that would have forced a play-off.
McIlroy, who claimed his third win of 2022, added: “The birdie on the difficult 14th was the turning point for me. I managed to separate myself after that.
“It’s a big achievement and I really want to enjoy this. I can’t wait to celebrate with my team.”