Rory McIlroy is eyeing up a successful defence of his US Open crown after returning to the head of the world rankings.
McIlroy, 7/1 to win the US Open again this year, overtook Luke Donald to take the number one ranking despite being beaten in a play-off at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow by Rickie Fowler.
The Northern Irishman was disappointed to be edged out by first-time winner Fowler but immediately looked forward to the US Open and before that the Players Championship at Sawgrass.
He said: “I want to try and play well for the next few weeks and try and solidify my spot there at number one and hopefully start by doing that next week and giving myself another chance to win.”
Last season’s Players Championship was won by Korean KJ Choi following a play-off with David Toms, with McIlroy 9/1 to triumph this time around.