McIlroy "Ranks No. 1 in the World"... Koepka No. 2

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland, photo) has returned to the world No. 1 ranking.

On the afternoon of the 10th (Korean time), he received 9.19 points in the official weekly golf world rankings, rising from 2nd place last week to 1st place. This is his 8th time and the first time in 4 years and 5 months since September 2015. Brooks Koepka (USA) was pushed down to 2nd place (9.16 points). Neither player participated in the PGA Tour AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (total prize money $7.8 million), which concluded that morning at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, USA (par 72, 6,816 yards).

McIlroy recently accumulated many points. The Official World Golf Ranking awards points differentially every Monday after professional golf tours worldwide conclude. The average is calculated by dividing the points earned over two years by the number of tournaments played (minimum 40, maximum 52). This rating is the basis for determining the world ranking. Points vary depending on the tour, tournament scale, and the status of participating players.

McIlroy has already held the No. 1 spot for 95 weeks over 7 separate occasions. In the history of global golf, the 'Returned Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) ranks 1st with 683 weeks, Greg Norman (Australia) 2nd with 331 weeks, and Nick Faldo (England) 3rd with 97 weeks. With just two more weeks, McIlroy will tie with Faldo for 3rd place. The 'No. 1 competition' is emerging as a key point of interest for the time being. Koepka, 3rd-ranked Jon Rahm (Spain), 4th-ranked Justin Thomas, and 5th-ranked Dustin Johnson (all USA) are chasing closely.

The 'Returned Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) is currently 8th. The PGA Tour Genesis Invitational (total prize money $9.3 million), held on the night of the 13th at Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, California, USA (par 71, 7,322 yards), has become even more important. The main focus is Woods' pursuit of the most PGA Tour wins (83 wins). It is interesting that all of the 'Top 5,' including McIlroy, will participate. The serious 'No. 1 competition' will resume.