McIlroy up six places to No.2 in golf

Rory McIlroy up to No.2 in the golfing world, behind Adam Scott, after his British Open triumph, while Jason day improves to eighth.

Rory McIlroy (pic) up to No.2 in the golfing world, behind Adam Scott, after his British Open win. (AAP)

Rory McIlroy is the new world number two after his dramatic British Open victory on Sunday at Royal Liverpool lifted him six places in the rankings.

Australia's Adam Scott keeps the number one spot after finishing in a tie for fifth with countryman Marc Leishman on 12 under, five shots behind the Northern Irishman.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson drops to number three while Justin Rose of England is fourth and Spaniard Sergio Garcia climbs from ninth to fifth.

American Bubba Watson, who missed the cut this weekend, drops two spots to sixth, his compatriot Matt Kuchar also falls to seven and Australia's Jason Day takes eighth place, moving up two spots.

American duo Tiger Woods, who endured his worst ever British Open with a six over par score, and Jim Furyk complete the top ten.