Rory McIlroy has consistently been near the top of the world rankings for decades now. and rightfully so! The 4-time major winner is one of the most skilled golfers of his generation, and that shows in his accomplishments. Among his many accomplishments is his reign as world No. 1. Until last week, the golfer had been the world’s number one for 122 weeks. And having recently been overthrown by Scottie Scheffler, he opened up about his true feelings about the world rankings.

Rory McIlroy gets honest about rankings

While many claim that the OWGR is irrelevant to them and that rankings are not something they focus on, McIlroy doesn’t feel the same way. At the press conference at the Genesis Invitational this week, he was asked if he cared about losing his No. 1 spot recently. “Yeah, of course, I care about it,” said the Irishman. “I think it’s a really cool thing to be ranked number one in whatever you do.”

The golf pro explained to him that the rankings showed the level they were competing at. He claimed that even if a player had “one average week” like he had had last week, then he would unflinchingly be replaced at the top. “There’s always someone waiting in the wings to overtake you.” The four-time major winner loved the competition, and he believed it made players perform better.

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He believed that the fact that players knew they could be dethroned any day motivated them to perform better on the course. “I think it’s a great thing for the game,” he stated. Well, maybe it’s that exact thinking that has kept Rory on top for so long. Perhaps it’s something more players should think about too.

McIlroy is hopeful about getting back on top

The former world No. 1 is also looking to claim his throne as soon as possible. “I’ve got a chance to get it back this week,” he stated with conviction. McIlroy certainly has a high resolve to become the best and prove it to all by leading the OWGR charts once more.

Although he doesn’t seem keen on sharing the spot, he knows he may just have to with Jon Rahm and Scheffler. And despite wanting to be the best, he doesn’t fully mind that. Why? “Because it means we’re all playing great golf,” he claimed proudly. The three are in peak form at the moment, and with them all competing this week, it’s honestly anyone’s game.

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Do you think McIlroy can reclaim the top spot this week? Or will one of his other two rivals sit atop once more? Let us know your take in the comments below.