Rory McIlroy is again number one in the golf world. The Northern Irishman won the CJ Cup in Ridgeland/US state of South Carolina, taking the top spot in the world rankings again after more than two years.

On the final day of the $10.5 million (€10.67 million) PGA tournament, the 33-year-old beat American Kurt Kitayama (268) and South Korean K.H. Lee (269) through.

"It means a lot to me," said an emotional McIlroy after his triumph at Congaree Golf Club. "I've worked so hard over the last 12 months to get back to this level. I feel like I'm enjoying this game like I've never done." For his 23rd success on the US tour, the Northern Irishman received prize money of 1.89 million US dollars (1.92 million euros).