Scottie Scheffler successfully defended his WM Phoenix Open title to regain top spot in the world rankings at the expense of Rory McIlroy.
Scheffler carded a closing 65 at TPC Scottsdale to finish on 19 under par and two shots ahead of Canada’s Nick Taylor, who also shot a brilliant 65 playing alongside Scheffler and world number three Jon Rahm.
Scheffler’s win meant McIlroy needed to finish third or better to remain top of the rankings, but the Northern Irishman had to settle for a tie for 32nd following a final round of 70.
Scottie Scheffler returns to the World Number One after his Win at this week’s WM Phoenix Open#OWGR#OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/N1m8jnqhyx — OWGR (@OWGRltd) February 12, 2023 McIlroy had not finished worse than eighth in his previous eight starts, a sequence which included three wins.