Honda Classic 2012 Results: Red-Hot Rory McIlroy Looks Unbeatable in Strong Win

It was only fitting that Rory McIlroy had to fend off a furious run by Tiger Woods to seal the world’s No. 1 ranking.

Woods’ tore up the final round at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach with a blistering eight-under 62, his best round ever, on a Sunday to finish 10-under for the tournament.

But he was no match for McIlroy, who had a much more consistent four-day performance, winning the event with a one-under to finish 12-under for the event (click here for full results).

The mettle of McIlroy is what makes him so impressive. With Woods already in the clubhouse, Rory knew the score he had to put up and looked to be in big trouble on two separate occasions. Yet he saved sands on the 15th and 17th holes where a bogey looked to be the end result on both. That’s when you knew who the best player in the event was.

The crowd was clearly on Woods’ side, and the “Ti-ger, Ti-ger” chants could be heard all throughout the course. It didn’t rattle McIlroy’s confidence in the least bit. His composure and steadiness are such invaluable commodities in the pressure-packed PGA, and it’s the biggest reason why he is now the most feared player in the sport.

Now McIlroy becomes the 16th player ever to be called the No. 1 player in golf, and he enters the heart of the PGA season looking and playing the part. He owns six career wins, including three on the PGA tour, and is only 22 years old.

Who is going to be the favorite to win the Master’s next month?

It’s not Tiger Woods…it's Rory McIlroy.

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