Rory McIlroy has spoken of his delight at starting his 2025 season with victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he beat Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry by two shots.

McIlroy made an eagle and five birdies in a superb final round of 66 to finish 21 under par, a shot outside the tournament record set by Brandt Snedeker in 2015.

Playing partner Shane Lowry birdied the 18th to secure outright second on 19 under, with Justin Rose making an eagle on the same hole to share third place with American Lucas Glover.

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Speaking after the victory, McIlroy said he had a 'pretty cool week' at Pebble Beach and referenced making a hole in one earlier in the week, as Lowry also managed the same feat.

McIlroy couldn't resist a cheeky did at pal Lowry when chatting to the PGA Tour he said: "I had a hole in one, even though Shane said his hole in one was better than mine...but I got the trophy!"

He added: "Couldn't think of a better way to start the season, I guess start as you mean to go on."

“Some people would argue the golf courses I have won on are not up to a Pebble Beach or an Augusta, but to win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really, really cool,” McIlroy told CBS.

“I knew today was going to be tough, it was going to be exciting, there were so many guys around the lead and I guess with it being Pebble Beach I had to put that to the back of my mind and go out there and try to shoot a score, which I was able to.

“Really cool to have that walk up 18 and take it all in.

“I said to Harry (Diamond, his caddie) walking up the last, start as you mean to go on.

“I’m just as determined this year in any of the years I’ve been out here on the PGA Tour and to get this win this early it means a great deal and hopefully just keep the momentum going into Torrey Pines in a couple of weeks’ time.”

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