Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy marked his first PGA Tour event of the year with an impressive two-shot victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

The 35-year-old finished with a six-under 66 to win on 21 under par, his 27th victory on the PGA Tour - and first at the iconic California course.

Having started the day one behind Austria's Sepp Straka, an eagle on the par-five 14th proved crucial as the four-time major winner moved three clear of Ireland's Shane Lowry, who emerged as the closest challenger.

"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."

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After a tough start, Lowry recovered to push McIlroy all the way, finishing solo second with a final round of 68.

They both made a hole-in-one during their first rounds but fell off the pace during the second round with a pair of 70s.

McIlroy and Lowry fought back during Saturday's third round as they each carded 65 to reach 15 under.

On Sunday, McIlroy's only bogey came at the eighth, but having picked up shots at 10 and 12, he seized control with a brilliant eagle on 14 which was set up by a booming drive and well-judged approach to 26 feet.

Relief at missed Lowry putt
After a one-over outward nine of 37, 2019 Open champion Lowry gained strokes at 11, 12, 14 and 16 to keep the pressure on McIlroy, but his hopes were dashed with a missed birdie putt on 17.

"There's still a few scenarios playing through your head. I even though if Shane had made birdie at 17, a three-shot on 18 compared to two shots is different," added McIlroy.

"I was relieved to see him not hole that."

England's Justin Rose, who won this event in 2023, finished on 18 under thanks to a superb eagle at the last.

Russell Henley and Cam Davis came were tied fifth on 17 under, whilst Austria's Straka struggled on the final day and fell away to end on 16 under.

World number one Scottie Scheffler recorded yet another top-10 finish as he ended on 15 under on his first PGA Tour appearance of the season following a hand injury.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1315 HRS, JAN 03, 2025
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