Collin Morikawa Triumphs Over Scheffler’s Challenge, Wins at Pebble Beach
Collin Morikawa claimed victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, marking his first tournament win since 2023. A thrilling final round saw him overcome challengers, particularly Scottie Scheffler, who surged but fell short.
Final Round Highlights
Morikawa made a crucial birdie on the 18th hole to seal his win. His performance was marked by resilience and skill. “I kept believing in myself,” he shared. “At the beginning of the week, this didn’t feel possible.”
Key Moments
- Morikawa shot an impressive 62 on Saturday, hitting every green in regulation.
- He started the final round two shots behind Akshay Bhatia.
- Morikawa birdied holes 15 and 16 to establish a two-shot lead.
- A bogey on the 17th left him tied for the lead with Min Woo Lee.
Challenges Faced
The final hole presented a tense wait for Morikawa. Jacob Bridgeman held up play for nearly 20 minutes after hitting his approach into the sea. This delay added pressure as Morikawa prepared for his approach.
Scheffler’s Charge
Starting eight shots off the lead, Scottie Scheffler made a remarkable early push. He opened with birdie-eagle-birdie and continued to perform well, carding a 63 despite three bogeys. His eagle on the 18th left him just short of Morikawa’s score.
Other Notable Performances
- Shane Lowry finished strong with a final-round 67 but fell short of the lead.
- Rory McIlroy closed the tournament with a bogey-free 64 but finished tied for 14th.
- McIlroy reflected on missed opportunities earlier in the week that could have altered his outcome.
Looking Ahead
The PGA Tour’s next event is the Genesis Invitational at Riviera. Players will seek to build on their Pebble Beach experiences as they prepare for this prestigious tournament.
