Player Profile: Rory McIlroy

On Sunday Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy made a magnificent comeback when he won the PGA Championship by an eight stroke margin to regain the top place in the world golf rankings with his second major win in as many seasons. This week's player profile highlights this talented player's recent return to top form as he continues to wow golf fans around the globe.

Since his amateur debut at the age of 15, McIlroy has excited fans with his high-energy playing style while his game has become increasingly refined over the years. Now an excellent putter with a formidable short game to match his high-octane drives and approach shots, McIlroy has consistently placed in the top ten of international events, with eight victories to date on the US PGA and European Tours. McIlroy has won two major tournaments, having lifted the trophy at the 2011 US Open before Sunday's victory at the PGA Championship.

Despite his obvious talents and excellent work ethic, McIlroy came under fire from critics this season when his excellent performance at the 2011 US Open was not followed up by victories at the major tournaments early in 2012. Critics suggested that McIlroy was losing his edge, citing his relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and his apparently laid-back style as possible reasons for his lacklustre performance. Never one to make heavy weather of his career challenges however, McIlroy made a spectacular comeback last week at the PGA Championship, the final major of the 2012 season.

If McIlroy's critics had been quick to comment on his less-than-stellar performance early in the season, the young champion's eight stroke victory on Sunday has placed him at the forefront of world golf as he retakes the title of world number one. With two majors to his name, Rory McIlroy has proved that he is a serious contender at the very highest level of international golf.

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