Beware of what lies ahead for Rory McIlroy

2:50 PM ET

Even with his Irish Open win Sunday, world No. 3 Rory McIlroy won’t be able to improve his position in the rankings on No. 1 Jason Day or No. 2 Jordan Spieth. Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Don’t forget about me, guys.

One has to wonder whether Rory McIlroy thought that at all, at least a little, in the past year when it came to being recognized as the top golfer in the world.

In the 12 months prior to Sunday’s win at the Irish Open, world No. 3 McIlroy had one victory, which came in November.

His main competitors on the world stage — No. 1 Jason Day and No. 2 Jordan Spieth — have combined for 11 PGA Tour titles during the same timeframe.

The Northern Irishman closed Sunday’s Irish Open on the European Tour in very Rory-esque fashion. He played holes 16 and 18 — both of which are par-5s — in a combined 3 under.

McIlroy admitted to getting emotional walking up the 18th hole at the K Club outside of Dublin after hitting a 250-yard approach shot to 2 feet, which he tapped in for a closing eagle.

“I don’t usually get emotional winning …

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