Pebble Beach delivered, and so did Rory McIlroy.
In a dazzling display of precision, power, and poise, McIlroy stormed to victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, firing a final-round 66 (-6) to claim a two-shot win and kickstart his 2025 PGA TOUR season in emphatic fashion.
With waves crashing, the sun beaming, and golf’s most iconic coastal course setting the stage, McIlroy once again reminded the world why he’s one of the game’s greatest showmen.
For the 31st time in his career, McIlroy’s name topped a leaderboard, but this wasn’t just any win—it was a statement.
McIlroy Takes Control in a Chaotic Final Round
On a day when six different players held the lead, McIlroy seized the moment with ice-cold execution.
The turning point? A towering 18-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole, which put him in control of the tournament. But it was the par-5 14th hole that sealed the deal—a massive 520-yard drive, a laser-like 7-iron, and a 25-foot eagle putt that sucked the life out of his challengers.
Shane Lowry, his closest competitor, saw his chances slip away when a wayward shot off the 6th hole flew over a cliff, leading to a bogey that derailed his momentum. Despite a strong back-nine rally, finishing with a solid 68, he had to settle for runner-up honors.
Meanwhile, Lucas Glover (67) and Justin Rose (68) finished one stroke behind Lowry, while Sepp Straka, the 54-hole leader, collapsed with a closing 72, falling to seventh place.
And then there was Scottie Scheffler, making his first start of the season after a hand injury sidelined him over the holidays. He delivered flashes of brilliance, including a bunker hole-out for eagle on 10, but a final-round 67 left him tied for ninth.
Pebble Beach: The Cathedral of Golf – And McIlroy’s Stage for Magic
Winning at Pebble Beach isn’t just another PGA TOUR victory—it’s a badge of honor.
McIlroy didn’t just win; he owned the stage, executing shots that will be replayed for years.
- The second hole – A 150-foot approach over a bunker, landing just two feet from the pin for an easy birdie.
- The 10th hole – A clutch 18-foot birdie putt that signaled game over for his rivals.
- The 14th hole – A bombed drive, pinpoint iron shot, and a 25-foot eagle that shut the door.
- The 15th hole – A three-foot wedge for birdie, making his walk to victory effortless.
By the time he reached the 18th green, the tournament was his—his competitors could only chase in vain.
A Crucial Year for McIlroy – Can He Finally Capture the Career Grand Slam?
McIlroy knows the weight of 2025—it’s a make-or-break season for his career legacy.
- The Masters looms in April, marking his 11th attempt to complete the Career Grand Slam.
- The Open Championship returns to Northern Ireland, giving him a once-in-a-lifetime shot at winning a major on home soil.
- The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black promises to be the most intense battle in team golf history—and McIlroy is expected to lead the charge.
He’s been vocal about the importance of this stretch, and this win at Pebble Beach couldn’t have been a better start.
“Winning at one of the cathedrals of golf is really fantastic. It’s a great way to start the year,” McIlroy said.
“Winning this early means a lot, and I hope to carry that momentum into Torrey Pines in the coming weeks.”
The New Era of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – A Format Built for Drama
This wasn’t just a big win for McIlroy—it was another major success for the PGA TOUR’s new Signature Event format.
Introduced in 2024, the revamped AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am now:
- Features only 80 of the TOUR’s top players—eliminating weaker fields.
- Showcases professionals exclusively on the weekend, with amateurs and celebrities playing only Thursday and Friday.
- Creates a must-watch event that guarantees elite competition in one of golf’s most breathtaking venues.
And it’s only going to get bigger, with Scheffler and Spieth making their season debuts next week at Torrey Pines, adding more firepower to the TOUR’s early-season slate.
McIlroy Joins the PGA TOUR Legends List
With this Pebble Beach triumph, McIlroy earned his 27th PGA TOUR victory, moving to 21st on the all-time winners list.
But the bigger question remains: Can he end his 11-year major drought and finally secure his fifth major championship?
For now, this win is enough.
McIlroy didn’t just win at Pebble Beach—he made a statement to the entire golf world.
The Masters is coming. And Rory McIlroy is ready.
