Rory McIlroy's caddie Harry Diamond has four words for what comes next...

Rory McIlroy may have returned to the World No.1 spot for the ninth time in his career but he's only "close", according to his caddie Harry Diamond. 

McIlroy, 33, has been in glistening form over the past six months. His critics will of course inform you of the date he last won a major championship. 

But there is absolutely no denying in his consistency on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. 

There's also the remarkable consistency in which he'll continue to talk about that tour. 

Related: Rory McIlroy says he felt "betrayal" from LIV Golf defectors

As our Andy Roberts writes, there is absolutely no debate about who the best player on the planet is right now. 

McIlroy has three wins (including a record third FedEx Cup) and five top-10 finishes in his last 15 starts since that memorable late flurry at The Masters in April. 

The Northern Irishman admitted that finding joy in his golf after a brutal Ryder Cup has led to an improved performance. 

After lifting the CJ Cup, he said: 

McIlroy thanked Diamond and the rest of his team in South Carolina after going straight to his good luck charm. 

And Diamond reportedly told Barstool Sports' Dan Rapaport: 

Since his last major win, McIlroy's choice of continuing to employ Diamond has consistently been called into question by his naysayers. 

In September, he leapt to Diamond's defence. McIlroy labelled Diamond and "easy target". 

He previously told BBC Sport Radio Northern Ireland:

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