SAN FRANCISCO: Rory McIlroy delivered a dominant back-nine performance on Sunday to secure a two-stroke victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, claiming his 27th US PGA Tour title.
The 35-year-old four-time major winner from Northern Ireland carded a six-under-par 66, finishing at 21-under 267. His final round included three birdies and an eagle at the famed oceanside course.
“Winning at one of golf’s iconic venues like Pebble Beach is really special,” McIlroy said. “I knew today would be tough with so many players in contention, but I focused on my game and got the job done.”
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open champion, finished second at 19-under after a final-round 68. “I didn’t have my best game today, but I wanted to make Rory earn it. When someone like him plays at their best, they’re nearly impossible to beat,” Lowry said.
Tied for third were US Open winners Lucas Glover and Justin Rose, with Rose sinking a stunning 61-foot eagle putt at the 18th.
This marks McIlroy’s second career win in California, following his 2015 WGC Match Play triumph. “Historically, I haven’t played well in California, so to win here is special. It’s a great way to start the season,” he said.
McIlroy has now won in eight consecutive seasons and hopes to complete his career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in April at Augusta National.
Austrian Sepp Straka, who led at the start of the final round, struggled to keep pace and finished tied for seventh at 16-under.
McIlroy’s final push came with key birdies at the 10th and 12th, followed by a crucial eagle at the par-5 14th. “I was determined to take advantage of my good tee shots today,” he said. A birdie at the 15th gave him a four-shot cushion before closing with a steady par at the 18th.
“Walking up 18 and soaking in the moment was really special,” McIlroy reflected. “It was a great way to finish.”
