Rory McIlroy has returned to golf’s world No.1 spot for the first time since March last year - after his two-shot victory over Spain’s Sergio Garcia at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone, Ohio.
The Northern Irishman carded two consecutive 66s over the weekend to clinch his first World Golf Championship on 15-under-par.
His win follows up his Open Championship triumph at Royal Liverpool last month, making it two wins in two starts for the 25-year-old.
McIlroy, who takes Adam Scott’s crown as world No.1, couldn’t hide his delight at getting back to the top of the game.
“That sounds great. It really does,” said McIlroy as he was reminded of his position in the game.
“It's awesome to go back. It's felt like a long time since I lost that No.1 spot, but it feels good to be back on the top. Hopefully, I can keep it for a while.”
Rory McIlroy :: Mentality is the key
In his last 11 events, McIlroy has secured seven top ten finishes, three of them resulting in victory. As a result, the 2012 PGA champion feels he’s in a great place mentally.
“It’s the most comfortable I've ever felt trying to close out a golf tournament out there today,” said the three-time major champion.
"I think it's all to do with how I am mentally on the golf course." - Rory McIlroy
“I felt normal. I felt like it was the first round or the second round. It didn't feel like a fourth round.
“I think it's all to do with how I am mentally on the golf course. I’m just sticking to whatever I'm doing. I'm not really focusing on anything else but that particular shot that I have, and I keep doing that shot after shot.”
Rory McIlroy split from his fiancée Caroline Wozniacki in May earlier this year. Since then, the Irishman has gone from strength to strength on the golf course, and he says ‘putting golf first’ is the reason behind his mental steel.
He added: “Putting golf first, I guess, and really dedicating my whole time and everything I have into my career.
“I've worked extremely hard and I'm reaping the rewards of it now.”
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