Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy each shot a hole-in-one in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am’s first round. At the par-three 15th hole, world number three McIlroy, who began his PGA Tour career on the back nine at the Spyglass Hill course, hit his second ace.
Later on Thursday, Shane Lowry of Ireland followed McIlroy’s example by hitting a hole-in-one at Pebble Beach’s renowned seventh hole. The Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill courses will host the first two rounds of the Pro-Am.
After their first rounds, McIlroy and Lowry were tied for seventh place on six-under-par 66, two strokes behind Russell Henley’s lead. Their individual aces were the clear highlights of Thursday’s play.
McIlroy of Northern Ireland rejoiced with his playing partner Ludvig Aberg, amateurs Jeff Rhodes and Jimmy Dunne, and the caddies after his effort went straight in the 119-yard hole off the flag without reaching the green.
The Travelers Championship in 2023 was the only time McIlroy had ever shot a hole-in-one on the PGA Tour. The 2019 Open champion’s third ace on the PGA Tour was Lowry’s moment of magic.
He threw his tee shot into the air in shock after it landed on the green and rolled into the hole. Lowry had previously made a hole-in-one at the Players Championship in 2022 and the Masters in 2016.