McIlroy Joins Woods In PGA Tour Record Books, Returning To World No. 1 Winning CJ Cup

2 years ago by Comments Off on McIlroy Joins Woods In PGA Tour Record Books, Returning To World No. 1 Winning CJ Cup

Rory McIlroy has joined good friend Tiger Woods in the PGA Tour history books in returning to World No. 1 with the successful defence of the CJ Cup in South Carolina.

It is the ninth time in McIlroy’s career he finds himself atop of the official World Rankings in capturing a 23rd PGA Tour victory and the 35th title of his professional career.

McIlroy was never headed over the final round in posting a closing four-under 67, and that included a bogey, bogey finish and win by a shot on the host Congaree course in Ridgeland, SC

It is just a second time McIlroy has successfully defended a tournament and the first being earlier this year when he won a second RNC Canadian Open title in row, and with the four wins on two different courses.

In returning to World No. 1, and for a first time since July, 2020, McIlroy needed for the former World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler no higher than a tie for second and lower than a share of 34th, so with the reigning Masters champ eventually sharing 45th place, McIlroy returns to the top of the rankings.

And McIlroy joins Woods, who captured the 2008 Farmers Insurance Open, as the only reigning FedEx Cup champion to win a first event of a new season.

As well, the win takes McIlroy straight to fifth on the new 2022/23 FedExCup standings.

“It’s an awesome win and to start the new FedEx Cup season with a win, and also in what is a continuation of how I have been playing this season is great,” he said.

“It means a lot to me to get back to World No. 1.  I’ve worked so hard over the last 12 months to get myself back to this place.  I feel like I am enjoying the game the best I ever had as I really love the game of golf, and I go out there and I play with that joy and that has definitely showed over the last 12 months.

“So, it just feels awesome to winning and in the process getting back to World No. 1, and I am looking forward to celebrating with my team tonight and the next couple of weeks because it’s a big achivement and I am really proud of myself.

“Though right now I want to enjoy this win”.



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