Deposed World No. 1 Adam Scott says Rory McIlroy is rightfully the game’s leading player.

Aussie-born Scott was atop of the rankings for 11 weeks before losing the crown to McIlroy after slipping from the safety of fifth to finish T8th in last week’s WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

McIlroy regained the No. 1 crown for a first time since March 2013 on the back of his two shot Firestone triumph.

“It’s not disappointing losing the No. 1 title as the extremely disappointing and the right guy is at No. 1 at the moment,” said Scott.

“He’s played the best over the last couple months, and the way I’d like to see the rankings work, and No. 1 as the guy who is winning the most tournaments probably should be the No. 1 player.

Adam Scott signs autographs Tuesday and declaring Rory McIlroy deserves to be World No. 1. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“Rory’s won two ‑‑ well, three really big tournaments this summer including the BMW PGA, and I’ve won one event (Colonial).

“You want the rankings to work and favor guys that win big events like he has.

“So it’s fair at the moment but then I hope that I could go ahead and win this week and maybe go back to No. 1.  But there’s no doubt Rory has played the best golf over the last few months.”

A Valhalla victory would automatically send Scott back to No. 1 but then if McIlroy were to miss the halfway cut then the Australian need only to finish top-20 to regain top ranking.