London, Aug 17 : Rory McIlroy admitted that Jordan Spieth has rightfully earned his place on top of the world golf rankings after the latter finished second at the just concluded US PGA Championship.
The 22-year-old, who won the Masters and US Open this year, finished three strokes behind champion Jason Day at Whistling Straits.
McIlroy, who was deposed as the world number one, said that Spieth deserved to top the rankings on account of the way he had been playing throughout the year, the Daily Express reported.
The Northern Irishman also said that he would be the first one to congratulate him as understands the level of golf one had to play to reach the pinnacle position.
Meanwhile, Spieth, who became the second youngest world number one after Tiger Woods, said that it was an unbelievable feeling to claim the top spot.
McIlroy, who fired a closing round of 69 to finish 17th at nine under par, was playing in his first tournament in seven weeks after recovering from an ankle injury. (ANI)