British Open Golf 2011: Will Rory McIlroy Take No. 1 World Ranking?

Rory McIlroy is back in business after winning the US Open at Congressional. He's been training for the past 10 days after he took some time off to rest and celebrate in style.

The 2011 British Open gives McIlroy a chance to make it two majors in a row, but moreover, he could become the new world No. 1. The feat seems possible, but it's actually a bit complicated to accomplish.

This is Rory's third start as a professional at The Open. Back in 2009, he finished tied for 47, but a year later he surprised in the first round with a 63 at the Old Course at St. Andrews.

Rors set a record for the lowest round in the Open Championship history, which boosted him into the lead at nine-under-par. Nevertheless, he fell short on Friday with an 80, but still managed to shoot under-par rounds—68 and 69—during the weekend to finish tied for third.

2011 unleashed the Rorymania, after he came back from a meltdown at Augusta to win the US Open. In return, McIlroy earned confidence and the third place in the world rankings.

He withdrew from the French Open, arguing that he wouldn't be properly prepared, and instead made quick trips to Wimbledon, where he met Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, and Hamburg, where he enjoyed the heavyweight championship fight.

Now he's ready to take over Royal St. George's, a course that has hosted The Open 13 times since 1894. Nevertheless, Rory tends to hit high balls and under windy conditions—like this weeks’—that’s not a wise move.

McIlroy has never teed off as a major champion, and having won the Dubai Desert Classic and the Quail Hollow Championship didn't help him before in a Grand Slam tourney. He will be faced with a lot of pressure and great expectations.

Now, take into consideration McIlroy's opponents. For starters, there is world No. 1 Luke Donald, who has just won the Scottish Open and who holds two more titles under his belt this season.

Throw in English Lee Westwood, who has battled with Donald for the top spot of the world rankings all year long, and still owes himself a major title.

Rors' fellow countryman Graeme McDowell will also be in the hunt and don't count out James Poulter. Both of them have displayed some good golf over the last couple of months and are used to playing under windy and rainy conditions.

McIlroy will become World No. 1, it just won't happen after this week's Open Championship. He needs to play consistently, winning the US Open was just the beginning of a long journey.

Still, there are two things he has proven so far—he has the best golf nowadays, and he has lots of patience. If he sticks to the discipline and attitude that characterize him, we will welcome the Rory McIlroy era in 2012.