Day ‘trending’ in stunning return to form; Rory toppled as No.1 in $5m statement

Scottie Scheffler is the world No.1 again, defending his crown at the WM Phoenix Open to regain the top position from Rory McIlroy.

The 26-year-old outlasted Canadian Nick Taylor in a back-nine shootout on Monday (AEDT), with a clinical eagle at the 13th and a clutch par-save on the stadium hole 16th proving to be the decisive blows.

Scheffler missed the 16th green and his chip ran long, but he drained a 15-foot par-putt to heap pressure on Taylor. Taylor then pushed his own attempt at a par-save to all-but seal the result.

Scheffler then aded another birdie at the 17th to make sure of the victory, finishing on 19-under to claim a two-shot victory.

He now jumps McIlroy as the world’s best male player, while taking a top prize of A$5,210,000 from the event’s A$29 million purse.

Jason Day also gained some key momentum at the event, claiming his first top-five finish since the Farmers Insurance Open in January 2022, and third top-ten in his past four starts.

He posted a 12-under tournament, which included three-straight birdies to start the final round, to finish solo fifth.

“You’ve got to love where this guy’s trending right now, he’s looking solid,” Trevor Immelman said in commentary.

Ian Baker-Finch added: “Yes, he’s definitely going to be one of Trevor’s trends I think. He’s moving up to that old No.1 form.”

The top-five was completed by Jon Rahm in third at 14-under, and Justin Thomas one back in fourth.

The highlight of the day, however, belonged to Rickie Fowler, who fired an ace at the par-three seventh.