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Rory McIlroy adds events to schedule to regain No. 1 ranking, prepare for Augusta

December 22, 2015
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Rory McIlroy has spent 95 weeks as World No. 1, but the rise of Jordan Spieth and Jason Day has knocked him down to No. 3. Judging by his upcoming itinerary, McIlroy is serious about regaining the top spot.

The Northern Irishman said Monday he plans to add more events to his 2016 PGA Tour schedule, including the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club, to boost his early-season world-ranking points. He also hopes more events will help with Masters preparations.

Don't think the world rankings matter to these guys? It sounds like it does for Rory.

"It's a goal of mine for next season -- to try to reclaim that position as fastly as I can," McIlroy told the BBC. "I feel like now until 40 is my time to collect some hardware and make my stamp on the game."

Rory's spring schedule has been relatively light in the past. But he has played the WGC-Cadillac and Honda Classic each of the last six seasons. And he has added the Shell Houston Open in 2014 and 2013 (tying for seventh in '14) and the Valero Texas Open in 2013 (finishing runner-up).

Thought Rory's recent engagement to Erica Stoll would sideline him at the start of 2016? Looks like that won't keep him off the road.

No doubt, Rory is motivated to keep playing after his win in Dubai to end the European Tour season. And after a major-less year, Rory will be chasing the career Grand Slam once again at the Masters, and it sounds like he wants to be driving down Magnolia Lane with the No. 1 ranking to his name.

(h/t @CBSSports)