"I’m just happy to be in that conversation": Rory McIlroy is happy to be fighting Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler for the World No. 1 ranking
The Arnold Palmer Invitational this week will be an exciting affair as it will see reigning world no. 1 Jon Rahm fight to defend his position against defending champion Scottie Scheffler and golfing icon Rory McIlroy.
The three golfers are currently locked in a gripping battle to secure the World No. 1 spot and it couldn't get more exciting for golf fans to witness.
It has been a musical chairs game between the trio since last year. The world no. 1 spot has been shuffled between the three last year. It seems that the tradition will continue this year as well.
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy earned the spot from Scottie Scheffler after winning the CJ Cup last year. Scheffler returned to the position earlier this year after winning the WM Phoenix Open. However, his stay this time was considerably shorter as Jon Rahm secured it after incredibly consistent performances.
However, Scheffler and McIlroy are still not out of contention. They will get another shot at reaching the top of the OWGR at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Bay Hill, Florida this week.
It's the first time in history that three different players have reached the top spot in a calendar year before March. Moreover, the three players are very happy for this thrilling competition.
"If it’s not a win, they’re contending" - Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy told AP News that he is happy to be in the conversation. He stated it's an honor to be considered the best three golfers in the world currently.
"I'm just happy to be in that conversation. If I was purely a fan of the game and I see what’s going on, especially at the top, I think it’s a pretty cool thing."
McIlroy was all praise for the consistency of his two rivals.
"If it’s not a win, they’re contending. Very rarely have you seen these guys in the past 12 or 18 months outside of the top 10, top 15, top 20. So just that relentless consistency week after week, month after month, building a really great body of work."
Rory McIlroy ended 2022 on a sublime note. He was playing the best golf of his life. He began 2023 with a bang after winning the Dubai Desert Classic of the DP World Tour in style. However, in the PGA Tour events so far, he has finished outside the top 25.
The 33-year-old will be looking to change that at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and his focus will also be on the top spot.