McIlory rises to No. 2 in OWGR

22-year old Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, is now one step closer to a goal he has set for himself in the coming years -- To be the number one ranked player in the world.

After his recent tie for fourth place in Shanghai at the World Golf Championship - HSBC Champions. McIlroy inched by Englishman Lee Westwood into the No 2 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings.

In doing so, McIlroy became the first Irish golfer to ascend this high in the rankings.

Of course, the current U.S. Open champion made headlines back in September when he said he wanted to be the number one player in the world.

"I'm not desperate, but it's definitely a goal that I've set for myself," McIlroy then said of being ranked No. 1.

"I feel as if it's very attainable. It might not be this year, but definitely into next year, I can give myself a very good platform to kick off the season next year if I end the season well."

Attainable, perhaps.

Will he do it in 2011, no he will not.

Now, no one knows what 2012 will hold for McIlroy or the current No. 1 ranked player in the world, Luke Donald.

We do know as of right now, McIlroy is almost a full 3 points (2.93) behind Donald in the OWGR.

He is on the right path to obtain his goal however. No other player; other than Donald (500.61), gained more word ranking points this season than McIlroy (315.83).

Both players will be gunning to either stay atop the rankings or continue their quest to dethrone the current leader in 2012.