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World Golf Rankings 2012: Rory McIlroy Regains No. 1 Ranking

Rory McIlroy regained the No. 1 ranking in the official World Golf Rankings after winning the 2012 PGA Championship.

by JP Starkey
Aug, 12, 2012; Kiawah Island, SC, USA; Rory McIlroy at the 18th hole during the trophy presentation of the Final Round of the 94th PGA Championship at The Ocean Course of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Chapman-US PRESSWIRE
Aug, 12, 2012; Kiawah Island, SC, USA; Rory McIlroy at the 18th hole during the trophy presentation of the Final Round of the 94th PGA Championship at The Ocean Course of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Chapman-US PRESSWIRE
Aug, 12, 2012; Kiawah Island, SC, USA; Rory McIlroy at the 18th hole during the trophy presentation of the Final Round of the 94th PGA Championship at The Ocean Course of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Chapman-US PRESSWIRE

A victory at one of golf’s majors will do wonders. Rory McIlroy finds himself back atop the World Golf Rankings on Monday morning, a day after capturing his second major title in his career.

McIlroy, who won the 2012 PGA Championship by a staggering eight strokes, moved past Luke Donald and Tiger Woods to regain the top spot in the World Golf Rankings. Donald finished tied for No. 32 this past weekend at the 2012 PGA Championship, shooting 2-over par for the entire tournament. McIlroy’s win, coupled with Donald’s poor showing, was enough to end Donald’s 10 week reign atop the World Golf Rankings.

Woods, who finished tied for 11th in the PGA Championship, drops to third in the World Golf Rankings. Lee Westwood and Webb Simpson round out the top five.

Justin Rose, who finished tied for third at the PGA Championship, moved up three spots from No. 10 to No. 7, constituting one of the larger jumps in the rankings.

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