Frustration for Rory McIlroy at Pebble Beach
Rory McIlroy has expressed frustration at four holes that proved costly during his AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am campaign, believing they denied him a genuine shot at victory, reports BritPanorama.
The Northern Irishman secured a share of 14th position in California, pocketing £251,234 in prize money after finishing five shots adrift of champion Collin Morikawa. McIlroy’s week was characterised by dramatic swings, with three double bogeys and a triple bogey appearing on his card alongside two eagles and numerous birdies.
Despite closing with a flawless 64 on Sunday — his strongest performance of the week — the world No 2 was left reflecting on what might have been. “I wish I could have those four holes back this week,” he said. “I played 68 really good ones and even if you turn those three doubles into bogeys and that triple into a bogey, that’s five shots and all of a sudden you’re looking at a lead.”
The lapses in concentration proved particularly frustrating given the quality of golf he produced elsewhere, including a stunning run of four birdies across five holes during his final round, followed by three more between the 11th and 14th. He acknowledged a couple of wayward tee shots during his third round but insisted his overall form felt solid.
McIlroy pointed to his ball-striking as a particular source of confidence, noting that his iron play had been sharp and his driving largely reliable throughout the week. “All in all, some really good stuff this week and pretty encouraging going into next week, for sure,” McIlroy added.
Now, McIlroy turns his attention to The Genesis Invitational, another Signature Event on the PGA Tour calendar where he placed tied 17th twelve months ago. His compatriot Shane Lowry enjoyed a stronger week at Pebble Beach, finishing one stroke ahead of McIlroy in a six-way share of eighth place worth £377,546.
Such is the nature of golf, where a few fleeting moments can shape the entire narrative. For McIlroy, the pathway to redemption awaits at the next tournament, and as is often the case in sport, how quickly one can seize the opportunity for another shot defines the true champions.
