Rory McIlroy's missed cut at the Alfred Dunhill Championship has brought with it some unwelcome pressure as he bids to book his place at the US Masters. McIlroy slipped one place to 50th when the latest world rankings were released this morning.

With just one more event before the cut-off point for Augusta qualification, the Co Down teenager cannot afford another blip at this week's South African Open. The top 50 in the world rankings at the end of the year qualify automatically for the Masters.

Should McIlroy remain in that elite group, and in reality simply making the cut at Pearl Valley should be enough to secure his place, he will be assured of making his first professional appearance at a major tournament come April.

The 19-year-old has already competed in the British Open, famously winning the silver medal as the leading amateur at Carnoustie in 2007.

World Rankings

1.  (1) Tiger Woods (United States) 12.57 average points
2.  (2) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 8.32
3.  (3) Phil Mickelson (United States) 7.34
4.  (4) Padraig Harrington(Ireland) 7.18
5.  (5) Vijay Singh (Fiji) 6.91
6.  (6) Robert Karlsson (Sweden) 5.21
7.  (8) Camilo Villegas (Colombia) 5.03
8.  (7) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 5.01
9.  (9) Ernie Els (South Africa) 4.83
10. (10) Lee Westwood (England) 4.73
11. (11) Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)  4.60
12. (12) Anthony Kim (United States) 4.59
13. (13) Jim Furyk (United States) 4.49
14. (14) Steve Stricker (United States) 4.06
15. (15) Stewart Cink (United States) 4.01
16. (17) Kenny Perry (United States) 4.00
17. (16) Adam Scott (Australia) 3.98
18. (18) KJ Choi (South Korea) 3.93
19. (19) Justin Rose (England) 3.84
20. (22) Trevor Immelman (South Africa)   3.49

Other leading Irish players

35. (33) Graeme McDowell 2.86
50. (49) Rory McIlroy 2.30
68. (66) Darren Clarke 1.92
105. (103) Paul McGinley 1.43