Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy won his first PGA Tour tournament of the year by two shots at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The 35-year-old shot a six-under 66 to triumph on 21 under par, his 27th victory on the PGA Tour and first at the famed California course.
After starting the day one behind Austria’s Sepp Straka, an eagle on the par-five 14th proved decisive as the four-time major winner surged three shots ahead of Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who emerged as the closest contender.
“I knew today was going to be tough and exciting, there were so many guys around the lead,” said McIlroy.
“I had to put that to the back of my mind try to shoot a score, which I was able to do.”
“To have that walk up 18 and take it all in was really cool.”
After a slow start, Lowry rallied to finish solo second behind McIlroy with a 68 in the final round. They both had hole-in-ones in their first rounds, but fell behind in the second round after shooting 70s.
McIlroy and Lowry rallied back during Saturday’s third round, each carding a 65 to finish at 15 under.
On Sunday, McIlroy’s sole bogey came at the eighth, but after birdies at 10 and 12, he took control with a magnificent eagle on 14, set up by a booming drive and well-judged approach to 26 feet.
After a one-over outward nine of 37, 2019 Open champion Lowry gained strokes at 11, 12, 14, and 16, keeping the pressure on McIlroy, but his hopes were shattered when he missed a birdie putt at 17.
“There are still a couple scenarios running through your mind. Even if Shane had birdied at 17, having three strokes on 18 against two shots is different,” McIlroy noted.
“I was relieved to see him not hole that.” England’s Justin Rose, who won this event in 2023, finished on 18 under par thanks to a spectacular eagle at the final.
Russell Henley and Cam Davis shared for fifth on 17 under, but Austria’s Straka battled on the last day, falling behind to finish on 16 under.
Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, finished 15 under par in his first PGA Tour participation of the season after suffering a hand injury.