Golf’s Prettiest Mess: Pebble Beach Pro-Am Opens Under Harsh Conditions

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Rory McIlroy stepped onto the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am course feeling like he was back in a bygone era, minus the amateur golfers and celebrities who typically fill the event’S galleries.

Romantic Weather Meets Brutal Golf Conditions

The day’s weather brought back nostalgic images of the legendary “Crosby Clambake.” A chilly wind swept off the Pacific Ocean, accompanied by light rain, creating prime conditions for dramatic golf moments but posing significant challenges for the professionals.

Straka’s Resilient Performance Secures the Lead

Sepp Straka faced tough obstacles, including a shot off the 10th tee that sailed over the cliff and onto the beach, leading to three straight bogeys. However, he bounced back strongly, tallying four birdies in his final five holes, securing a 2-under 70 and a slim one-shot advantage over McIlroy and Shane Lowry.

“You can’t stay dry, the ball’s not going where you want it to, putting is tough. It’s really hard to stay in the moment,” Straka admitted. “But I was happy with how I managed today.”

Tom Kim and Scottie Scheffler Showcase Impressive Shots

Despite the conditions, some players managed to play exceptionally well. Tom Kim executed a precise 7-iron from 103 yards down the hill on the seventh hole. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler struck a 5-iron that landed perfectly, rolling to a staggering 155 yards from where he stood.

“I bogeyed the 9th and parred the 10th, and I felt like I was catching up with the field. But on TV, it might not look that way. The round was truly brutal,” Lowry shared.

Irish Duo Impress Among Top Contenders

The leaderboard featured many names familiar to Ryder Cup fans, including Straka, McIlroy, Lowry, and Justin Rose. This setup hinted at exciting prospects as the tournament now heads into its final stages.

Rory McIlroy’s Flawless Performance in Thrilling Conditions

McIlroy demonstrated exceptional control over his game, particularly on the exposed sections of Pebble Beach. Without dropping a single shot, he chipped around the obstacles and finished with a bogey-free 65, underscoring the strengths of his game-playing no fear despite the challenging environment.

“It’s a more authentic experience of what the Pebble Beach Pro-Am is like,” McIlroy reflected, having played the tournament only three times.

Shane Lowry’s Early Surge and Clutch Performance

Lowry began strongest, securing a birdie, eagle, and birdie sequence on the first few holes. Though a few errors followed around the turn, he persevered, regaining lost ground with two late birdies, posting a 65 and holding the contention.

“Irish weather might suit me slightly, but I don’t enjoy it,” Lowry laughed, echoing his preference for sunny Florida where he now resides.

Sepp Straka Continues His Streak

After his recent win in the California desert, Straka continued his impressive form. He performed remarkable recovery shots, including blasting the sand near hole 10 to 4 feet for an eventual birdie. This audacious move ultimately put him at 16-under 200, one shot ahead of McIlroy and Lowry.

Sepp Straka’s closing birdie sealed his leaderboard position, setting up a compelling final round.

Justin Rose and Others in contention

Justin Rose, winner at Pebble Beach in 2023 and key member of Team Europe, was positioned two shots behind Straka, alongside Tom Kim and Cam Davis.

Scottie Scheffler’s Near-Miss

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 player making his 2025 debut following hand surgery from a freak puncture wound, managed to hold it together. His 69 put him six shots behind, but Scheffler’s impressive recovery shows he is still a strong contender.

“I hung in there on a day where I didn’t have my best stuff,” Scheffler said, highlighting his determination and resilience.

Salty Conditions Force Unique Strategies

As the wind grew stronger, McIlroy had to rethink his approach. He switched to a chip-around strategy after the sixth hole, which involved making six crucial par saves from the rough and bunker sections.

“I feel like I didn’t make a full swing after that,” McIlroy said, describing his innovative method of playing through the storm.

Key Holes Influence the Round

The 10th hole proved a turning point for Straka. His approach shot missed the fairway badly, dropping over the cliff and onto the beach. Unlike Scheffler, who attempted an adventurous shot off the water, Straka decided to take a penalty shot, eventually salvaging a bogey.

Following this setback, Straka continued to battle, dropping two more bogeys before regaining composure to end his round strongly, with birdies on holes 14, 15, and the final hole.

Final Round Looms with Excitement

The final round looms with six players within two shots, setting up a thrilling competition. The list includes Straka, Lowry, McIlroy, Kim, Davis, and Rose, who all possess the ability to turn the tournament around in their favor.

The Real Golf Show

The striking weather might not be ideal for casual viewers but offers a more authentic glimpse into what the Pro-Am is truly about. The strong winds and unpredictable conditions test the best golfers’ skills, making the tournament even more exciting.

Lowry and McIlroy’s Career Highlights

Lowry and McIlroy came into the tournament with a hole-in-one each, Lowry on the 7th hole and McIlroy on the 15th hole of Spyglass. The friends, known for their golf history, are looking forward to potentially closing out the tournament in the final group.

“There are a few courses in the world that you would like to win on. This is definitely one of them,” Lowry added, demonstrating the significance of the Pro-Am to his professional career.

Conclusion: A Yearning for Presence

As the Amateur and Celebrity portions of the event wrap up for the weekend, the tournament focuses exclusively on professional talent. Despite the harsh weather, the leaderboard reads like a Who’s Who in European golf, setting up an intriguing finale at Pebble Beach.

This unique set of circumstances promises to be a final round remembered for drama, skill, and some of the most challenging golf moments of the year.

Stay tuned for more updates and action from the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Tom Kim’s recovery shot was just one of many notable plays undoubtedly to come.

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