• KLM Open

McIlroy targets world No. 1 spot

ESPN staff
September 7, 2011
Rory McIlroy believes he can become world No. 1 in 2012 © Getty Images
Enlarge

KLM Open betting tips: Dyson ready to fly

Rory McIlroy insists he is not desperate to become world No. 1, but hopes to achieve the goal by the end of 2012.

The 22-year-old claimed his first major at the US Open and has climbed to No. 4 in the world.

He finished third at the European Masters at the weekend in his first appearance since injuring his wrist at the US PGA Championship, and will now look to kick on at the KLM Open in the Netherlands.

With world No. 2 Lee Westwood and No. 3 Martin Kaymer in action at the Hilversumsche Golf Club this week, McIlroy is intent on overhauling Kaymer and closing the gap between him and Westwood.

"I'm not desperate, but it's definitely a goal that I've set for myself," he said of the No. 1 ranking. "I feel as if it's very attainable.

"It might not be this year, but definitely into next year, I can give myself a very good platform to kick off the season next year if I end the season well.

"So all I want to do is try and get closer to Lee, obviously at No. 2 and then to look at No. 1 Luke [Donald]'s got a little bit of a lead at the minute and it would be nice to get closer to him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices