Eighteen-time Major champion Jack Nicklaus believes that Rory McIlroy has finally embraced being world number one.
The Northern Irishman first took the top spot back in 2012, but has regained the position and since gone on to win back-to-back Majors at the British Open and US PGA Championship this year.
The 25-year-old also helped Europe clinch Ryder Cup victory over the USA at Gleneagles last weekend.
"When Rory became number one in the world in 2012 I honestly don't think he was ready to mentally embrace it," ESPN quotes Nicklaus as saying. "Now his mannerisms are different, he talks differently and he is comfortable in that role.
"Rory has won two majors this year, as well as the WGC and at Wentworth, but to my mind what has been so important is that he has not only proved he is best in the world again, but this time he accepts he is best in the world."
McIlroy will play in this week's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Danielle Joynson
