Home / Sports / Rory McIlroy Defends Pebble Beach Title
Rory McIlroy Defends Pebble Beach Title
12 Feb
Summary
- McIlroy defends his 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am title.
- The event features a $20 million prize pool.
- Top golfers like McIlroy and Scheffler are competing.
The PGA Tour returns to the California coast for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the season's first signature event with a $20 million prize pool. Defending champion Rory McIlroy is back to defend his 2025 title.
McIlroy, making his first PGA Tour start of 2026, is joined by other prominent players including Tommy Fleetwood and Scottie Scheffler. Sahith Theegala received a sponsor's exemption, while Pierceson Coody earned a spot through the Aon Swing 5.
Key strategies for this tournament involve strong iron play and approach shots to small greens. Players are being evaluated on strokes gained around the green, sand save percentage, and performance on less-than-driver and short courses, particularly on poa annua greens.
Past champions include Wyndham Clark (2024), Justin Rose (2023), and Tom Hoge (2022). Rory McIlroy is favored at +1300, coming off strong DP World Tour performances. Viktor Hovland (+2800), Maverick McNealy (+3300), and Patrick Cantlay (+4000) are also noted contenders with favorable odds and course history.
