Published Monday, 19 December 2011
The US Open champion finished well off the pace at the Dubai World Championship after suffering from a bout of suspected Dengue Fever, allowing Luke Donald to cement his place at the top of the rankings list for the end of the year.
McIlroy drops a place after being overhauled by Lee Westwood, with the Englishman securing second place after winning the Thailand Golf Championship by seven shots on Sunday.
He remains the only Northern Ireland golfer in the top ten, with Graeme McDowell the next highest in the rankings at 13th.
2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke remains in the top 50 - but only just - after dropping three places to 49th.