Rory McIlroy returned to the top ten in the Official World Golf Ranking after recording his first worldwide win in 18 months at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
McIlroy moved from 13th to seventh in the Ranking after finishing three clear of Bryson DeChambeau at Bay Hill. The four-time Major Champion will be bidding to complete a career grand slam at the Masters Tournament next month and he ensured he will be among the leading contenders after a majestic final round of 64 on Sunday.
The 28 year old was superb over the back nine, in which he nervelessly recorded five birdies in his final six holes to finish on 18 under par for a three-shot victory over Bryson DeChambeau.
He arguably saved his best for last, holing a putt from more than 25 feet on the 18th.
The last time McIlroy reigned supreme was at the Tour Championship on September 25, 2016 - the same day Arnold Palmer died - and he returned to winning ways at the resort once owned by the golfing great.
McIlroy told Sky Sports golf: "I played a perfect round of golf.
"It was awesome to feel the buzz of being somewhere around the lead going into the back nine and reeling off those four birdies in a row.
"I've missed it, I really have missed it, and to play the sort of golf that I played today under that pressure, I'm really proud of myself and just so happy to win.
"It's ironic to think that the last time I won was when Arnie passed away. To be able to create my own little piece of history on the 18th green here was pretty special.
"I'm just so happy to be back in the winner's circle again and win a tournament that has Arnold Palmer's name on it, someone that means so much to us in the game of golf."
