Rory McIlroy marked his first appearance on the PGA TOUR in 2025 with a sublime two-shot victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The 35-year-old Northern Irishman came into the final round at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links in the mix at the top of the leaderboard, a shot behind overnight leader and Ryder Cup teammate Sepp Straka. But his impressive back-nine display where the four-time major winner played the first six holes of the storied back nine at 5-under par, which included an eagle at the par-five 14th, saw him pull ahead of the rest of the competition and create a four-shot advantage.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry looked to put some late pressure on McIlroy by sinking five birdies in his final eight holes to reduce his advantage but it was not enough to overhaul McIlroy who closed with a six-under 66 to end the tournament on 21 under and secure his 27th victory on the PGA TOUR.
“Some people would argue the golf courses I have won on are not up to a Pebble Beach or an Augusta, but to win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really, really cool,” McIlroy said speaking to CBS.
“I knew today was going to be tough, it was going to be exciting, there were so many guys around the lead and I guess with it being Pebble Beach I had to put that to the back of my mind and go out there and try to shoot a score, which I was able to. Really cool to have that walk up 18 and take it all in.
“I said to Harry (Diamond, his caddie) walking up the last, start as you mean to go on. I’m just as determined this year in any of the years I’ve been out here on the PGA TOUR and to get this win this early it means a great deal and hopefully just keep the momentum going into Torrey Pines in a couple of weeks’ time.”
There was a tie for third between America’s Lucas Glover and England’s Justin Rose on 18 under while World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler who made his first appearance since his suffering from a hand injury whilst readying Christmas dinner could only settle for a joint-ninth finish alongside fellow countryman Billy Horschel and Canada’s Taylor Pendrith.
What is the next event?
The next event on the PGA TOUR schedule is the WM Phoenix Open taking place between 6-9 February at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona.