Rory McIlroy congratulates Jordan Spieth after ceding world number one spot
RORY McILROY claims Jordan Spieth deserves to be the new world number one.
Jordan Spieth is the new world number one
Spieth, who has lifted two majors this year, seized the top spot in the official rankings after finishing runner-up at the USPGA Championship yesterday.
McIlroy, who was playing in his first tournament in seven weeks after recovering from an ankle injury, finished in 17th place after his overall score of -9.
But the Northern Irishman thinks Spieth deserves to top the rankings.
"Honestly the way Jordan has been playing and the way I haven't played much this year - I think that was only my 12th or 13th event - it's very deservedly so," said McIlroy.
"Winning two majors, winning a couple of other times this year, had a chance at the Open, had a chance today.
"I'd be the first one to congratulate him because I know the golf you have to play to get to that spot, and it has been impressive this year."
Rory McIlroy (pictured) thinks Jordan Spieth deserves to be the new world number one
Spieth, 22, who becomes the second youngest world number one after Tiger Woods, said: "It feels really good. It's an unbelievable feeling.
"I knew walking up the 16th Jason was going to win so I was focusing on finishing second and accomplishing a career goal. So much work has gone into this and what a year it has been."