Sports Golf: Rory McIlroy ends 2014 as world number one

[Babalola Oluwatomiwa]

Northern Ireland Golf Rory McIlroy crowned a successful year by finishing 2014 as the world number one in the sport.

In the rankings released on Monday, the 25-year old amassed more points than other golfers to place top of the table .

Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Australia's Adam Scott finished the year in second and third positions respectively.

McIlroy won his fourth major title win at the US PGA Championship this year which helped him mount up the ladder.

Former world number one Tiger Woods, could only finish in 32nd position, largely because he missed a lot of championships due to injuries.

Official World rankings at the end of 2014:
1. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 11.04pts
2. Henrik Stenson (SWE) 8.13
3. Adam Scott (AUS) 7.71
4. Bubba Watson (USA) 7.27
5. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 6.70
6. Justin Rose (ENG) 6.69
7. Jim Furyk (USA) 6.62
8. Jason Day (AUS) 5.81
9. Jordan Spieth (USA) 5.75
10. Rickie Fowler (USA) 5.47
11. Matt Kuchar (USA) 5.11
12. Martin Kaymer (GER) 4.86
13. Billy Horschel (USA) 4.78
14. Phil Mickelson (USA) 4.47
15. Graeme McDowell (NIR) 4.16
16. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 4.12
17. Victor Dubuisson (FRA) 4.02
18. Zach Johnson (USA) 3.83
19. Dustin Johnson (USA) 3.78
20. Chris Kirk (USA) 3.76