Teenager Rory McIlroy is in the Walker Cup squad

The 17-year-old moved up from third place in the rankings list which is only in its sixth week.

"I'm only leading by a small amount but I'd love to be able to stay there until I turn professional," McIlroy told the Irish Independent.

"It's a great feeling to be number one and it gives me extra motivation."

"There are so many amateur tournaments it's going to be really hard to stay on top," he added.

McIlroy is the current European Amateur champion and last year became the first player since Joe Carr to retain both the West of Ireland and Irish Close titles.