Get ready for a golf showdown that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am just delivered one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory, with Collin Morikawa clinching his first PGA Tour victory since 2023 in a heart-stopping one-shot win. But here’s where it gets even more dramatic: Scottie Scheffler nearly pulled off a historic comeback, and Rory McIlroy wasn’t far behind. This tournament had it all—drama, surprises, and a leaderboard that kept shifting until the very last putt.
Morikawa’s journey to the top wasn’t easy. Starting Sunday two strokes behind leader Akshay Bhatia, he faced an uphill battle, especially after a slow start to his final round at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links. With tee times moved up due to looming bad weather, the pressure was on. But the two-time major champion turned things around, carding a 34 on the front nine and surging to the top of the leaderboard with a 10-foot birdie on the 11th, followed by back-to-back gains on the 15th. This gave him a two-shot lead with just two holes to play. And this is the part most people miss—even after a bogey on the 17th, Morikawa bounced back with a birdie on the par-five 18th, sealing a five-under 67 and a final score of 22 under par.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Morikawa’s win a testament to his resilience, or did he simply benefit from Scheffler’s late stumbles? Let’s dive into Scheffler’s incredible day. Starting the final round eight strokes back, the world No. 1 went on a tear, holing a 15-foot putt on the first, eagling the par-five second, and picking up another shot on the third. His front-nine 30 was nothing short of spectacular, and he briefly got within one shot of the lead after back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th. Even after a bogey on the 15th, Scheffler’s final-hole eagle—thanks to a jaw-dropping iron shot to within three feet—put him in contention. Yet, it wasn’t enough to overtake Morikawa. Was Scheffler’s aggressive play his downfall, or did it simply highlight the razor-thin margins in professional golf?
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy ended his title defense with an impressive eight-under 64, finishing in a share of 14th place. Despite not contending for the win, McIlroy’s performance showed glimpses of his world-class talent, leaving him optimistic about the upcoming PGA Tour events. Min Woo Lee and Sepp Straka also made their mark, finishing tied for second at 21 under, while Tommy Fleetwood joined Scheffler in tied-fourth.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Scheffler’s near-miraculous comeback and Morikawa’s clutch performance, who do you think deserves more credit—the winner who held his nerve or the runner-up who almost stole the show? Let us know in the comments!
Looking ahead, the PGA Tour stays in California for the Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods’ foundation at Riviera Country Club. Defending champion Ludvig Åberg will be back in action, and you won’t want to miss it. Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or a casual viewer, this season promises more drama and excitement. So, what are you waiting for? Tune in and be part of the action!
