PEBBLE BEACH, California — Pebble Beach showcased its stunning beauty, and so did Rory McIlroy, creating the perfect backdrop for the PGA Tour during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Sunday. Both the famous golfer and the picturesque coastal course delivered performances that met high expectations, as McIlroy maintained a commanding presence throughout the day.

He displayed exceptional control over his shots, achieving crucial birdies after the turn amidst a competitive field. The highlight came on the 14th hole, where McIlroy launched his drive over a tree down the fairway, leaving him with only a 7-iron for the lengthy par-5, which he expertly set up for an eagle.

Sepp Straka, one of his fellow competitors, remarked on the occasion, noting that while McIlroy’s approach was with a 7-iron, he himself faced the hole with a 7-wood. As McIlroy approached the final stretch, things looked promising, with sunny weather creating a turquoise hue in the surf and enough of a lead to ensure a stress-free finish. He wrapped up the round with a par, posting a 6-under 66 and clinching victory by two shots over his Irish friend Shane Lowry.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, McIlroy commented on the unique prestige of certain venues in golf, attributing their importance to their rich history and the legendary players who have triumphed on them. He counted Pebble Beach among the iconic courses alongside St. Andrews and Augusta National, emphasizing the thrill of winning at such revered locations.

In a tightly contested round, McIlroy seized control with a bunker shot that landed 18 feet from the hole for birdie on the 10th, thriving in challenging Pacific winds. A towering 7-iron on the par-3 12th helped him further extend his lead. The pivotal moment came on the 14th hole, where McIlroy capitalized on a three-shot advantage, ultimately securing his 27th PGA Tour title—a feat achieved by only two players currently on tour, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, both of whom have garnered more championships.

Lowry lost ground after hitting his second shot over the edge of a cliff on the par-5 sixth but managed a strong finish, posting a back-nine score of 31, including a final birdie for a total of 68 that placed him in second. Lucas Glover and Justin Rose, with scores of 67 and 68, respectively, finished another shot behind. Straka, who led at the beginning of the final round, struggled with a score of 72, placing him seventh.

Lowry remarked on the difficulty of competing against a player of McIlroy’s caliber, especially when he is firing on all cylinders. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, whose season was previously hampered by a hand injury, closed the tournament with a 67 and tied for ninth.

McIlroy took notes from Scheffler’s cautious approach, which contributed to his success, particularly this week at Pebble Beach. He recorded just one bogey over the weekend, despite playing in adverse wet and windy conditions on Saturday. As the golfer looks ahead, he acknowledges this year as a pivotal one, particularly with major events lined up, including opportunities to complete a career Grand Slam at the Masters and a much-anticipated return to Northern Ireland for the British Open.

Describing his feelings, McIlroy said that winning is a rewarding way to kick off the season, noting that his week also included an impressive hole-in-one at Spyglass Hill. With yet another trophy in hand, he heads back to Florida, filled with momentum for the challenges ahead.

The sixth hole shifted the dynamic of the tournament, as both Rose and Tom Kim struggled with errant shots that contributed to bogeys. McIlroy, however, started showcasing his potential for victory early in the round when he executed an impressive pitch shot that led to a simple birdie on the second hole.

After a solitary bogey on the difficult eighth hole, McIlroy effectively distanced himself from the competition, leaving others chasing him in vain. Glover highlighted the excellence that McIlroy brings to the game, noting that his skill and achievements stem from significant experience and talent. Ultimately, McIlroy’s victory at this esteemed event not only solidified his standing on the tour but also rewarded him with $3.6 million, with a remarkable finishing total of 21-under 267—a mere stroke shy of the tournament record. Lowry’s commendable effort earned him a consolation of $2.16 million for his second-place finish.