Jason Day insists forgetting about golf's rankings will be crucial to reclaiming the No.1 spot he's surrendered to Dustin Johnson after 47 straight weeks on top.
The Australian's reign ended when Johnson romped to a five-shot victory at the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on Sunday, ensuring he jumps past both Rory McIlroy and Day to be No.1 for the first time.
Hia arrival as the 20th player to hold the No.1 spot since the rankings began in 1986 follows a stellar run of form by the 32-year-old that began with his maiden major win at the US Open last June and includes three more wins.
The tall, big-hitting American coasted to a 17-under-par total with a closing 71 to follow scores of 66 66 and 64, relatively untroubled as Belgian star Thomas Pieters (63) and American Scott Brown (67) finished joint second.
Johnson needed a victory and for Day to finish worse than a three-way tie for third.
The 29-year-old Day handed Johnson the crown with a disappointing two-over total leaving him tied for 64th place, 19 shots behind.
"He deserves it because he's been playing great golf," said Day of Johnson, who has finished no worse than third in eight of his last 16 tournaments.
Day is projected to be 0.5 points behind Johnson when the rankings are adjusted, meaning a victory next start at the World Golf Championship event in Mexico in two weeks would likely catapult the Queenslander back to No.1.
"The biggest thing for me is not focus on the rankings. I've just got to keep trying to improve each and every week," said Day.
"You've got to focus on winning; if you do that, then it takes care of everything."
If he gets to No.1 again, Day believes he'll be better equipped to deal with the extra pressure.
"It was tough; a lot of uncomfortable situations you're just not used to," he said.
"More pressure, a lot more time commitments but that's just part and parcel of being (No.1).
"I know exactly what I need to do going into the future and hopefully I can take better steps trying to hold that position once I get back."
World No.7 Adam Scott - who won at Riviera in 2005 - continued his good record in Los Angeles with tie for 11th place at nine under in a tie for 11th.
Scott finished as the leading Australian, four shots ahead of compatriot Cameron Smith, who dropped to a share of 28th with his five under total.
Cameron Percy rounded out the Australian contingent, placing 49th with a two-under score.
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