Rory McIlroy defeats veteran Tiger Woods for number one rank in golf - VIDEO

First Irishman to be ranked number one in the world

By: KERRY O'SHEA | Published Monday, March 5, 2012, 8:33 AM | Updated Monday, March 5, 2012, 8:33 AM

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy (22) defeated Tiger Woods’ late charge at the US PGA Tour’s Honda Classic to claim the title of number one golfer under the Official World Golf Ranking, which will be officially released tomorrow.

Golf.com writes that McIlroy had to manage a late surge from Tiger Woods, who was fighting to retain his number one ranking which he had held for a staggering 623 weeks. Though the pressure was certainly on, McIlroy proved himself by ultimately beating out Woods.

Heading into the Honda Classic, which was played in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, McIlroy was ranked second in the world.

With his new ranking, McIlroy is the first Irishman to be ranked as number one, but the fourth consecutive European. In 2010, Tiger Woods lost his number one ranking to  England's Lee Westwood, making Woods the last American player to hold the prized ranking.

McIlroy is also only the second youngest player to ever achieve the honor of first place, with Woods still hanging on to that title as youngest. At today’s tournament, Woods had the lowest final round score of his career.

"First and foremost it's just great to win this tournament," said McIlroy.

"It was tough today, especially seeing Tiger make a charge. I knew par would probably good enough today, that's what I was trying to do."

Watch when Rory McIlroy officially wins the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic: