Celebrations put on hold as McIlroy trains focus on three events

It was the 23-year-old’s third PGA Tour title of the year, including the USPGA Championship last month, and consolidated his position at the top of the world rankings.

He also shot to the top of the FedEx Cup standings and is now on course to emulate Luke Donald’s feat from last year of topping the US and European money lists in the same season. But, with two more FedEx Cup play-off events to come this month as well as the Ryder Cup, McIlroy is keeping any celebrations on hold.

McIlroy said: “To get to world No 1, back up a major-winning season with another major, get three wins on the PGA Tour – this year has been a big year for me to back up what I did last year. I’d like to make it four – or five, obviously – after the FedEx Cup. I have learned how to handle winning big events – not dwelling on what’s happened, just moving forward, just trying to win another golf tournament, trying to put myself in position.

“There is a time and a place to celebrate and enjoy what you have done and going into the play-offs isn’t it.

“You have to focus on the week ahead, get to Crooked Stick and start to prepare for that tournament. With this run we’re on, you have to just keep thinking about the next week.

“When the Ryder Cup is over, for sure I will think back and enjoy the great golf I have played over the last few weeks.”

McIlroy shot a four-under-par final-round 67 to win at Norton and win by one stroke on 20 under from third-round leader Louis Oosthuizen.

Oosthuizen held a three-shot lead at the start of play, but could only shoot level par and missed a birdie putt at the 18th that would have taken him into  a play-off. McIlroy said: “Once  I got into the lead I felt very  comfortable.”