Though he didn’t compete in the FedEx Cup Playoff-opening Barclays event, McIlroy surpassed Jordan Spieth for the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking. Spieth, who was No. 1 for two weeks following his PGA Championship runner-up showing, missed the cut this past week and slipped to No. 2.
McIlroy’s advantage is now 0.14 points. Both men, however, could be jumped after this week’s Deutsche Bank Championship. Jason Day, who won The Barclays, can become No. 1 with a win at TPC Boston and if McIlroy and Spieth finish outside the top three.