Rory McIlroy dominates in Dubai, reaffirms his No. 1 world ranking

Rory McIlroy cemented his status as the best player on the planet, and the runaway favorite to complete the career grand slam at Augusta in April by cruising to a three-shot win Sunday at the Dubai Desert Classic.

The world No. 1 made it look easy after taking a four-stroke lead into the final round in the Emirates and held serve by posting a 2-under 70 to get to 22-under for the week. It was the second Desert Classic title in seven years -- and four wins in his last seven European Tour starts -- for the four-time major champion who easily topped runner-up Alex Noren (65).

It was at this tournament McIlroy won his first ever professional event back when he was just a pudgy, long-haired teenager. He’s now a ripped 25-year-old and, at 5’9, absolutely demolishes the ball off the tee, demoralizing the chasers and his competitors. Rory is the clear top player in the game, and right now, nobody is close. There’s a bit of symmetry to having this run in Dubai come on the same weekend that Tiger Woods floundered about in Phoenix and shot a career-worst 82.

The victory -- a 66-64-66-70 scorching of Emirates GC -- would seem to lay to rest any concerns about his impending court battle distracting McIlroy from doing what he must on the course. He’ll deal with the legal issues in Ireland and then return to Florida for the Honda Classic in March to tune up for the Masters on the Florida Swing.