How Jordan Spieth can replace Rory McIlroy as world No 1

Jordan Spieth has several ways he can overtake Rory McIlroy and become world No 1 at this week’s 97th PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

Spieth could have replaced the four-time major winner in the world rankings with victories in either the Open Championship or WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, but has another opportunity to do so in the final major of the year.

The world’s top two have been drawn together for the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday, playing alongside last month’s Open champion Zach Johnson.  

Regardless of how McIlroy performs on his return from injury, the Northern Irishman will hold on to top spot unless Spieth finishes in outright third or better.

McIlroy has been practising at Whistling Straits in recent days and insists his ankle is "100 per cent" ready to feature this week, in what is his first appearance since rupturing ligaments playing football with friends.  

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Third alone would be enough for the 22-year-old if McIlroy misses the cut, while a runners-up finish would require the defending champion to post a top six finish to stay at the top of the rankings.

Should Spieth go on to win at Whistling Straits and claim a third major of the year, McIlroy would need to take second alone to avoid losing the world No 1 ranking he has held for over a year.

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