A Flash of Brilliance on the Monterey Peninsula
Pebble Beach, CA — January 30, 2025
Rory McIlroy brought the house down with a sensational hole-in-one during the opening round of the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, electrifying the crowd at one of golf’s most iconic courses. On the par-3 15th, McIlroy flushed a 9-iron from 150 yards that took two hops before dropping straight into the cup—sending the gallery into a frenzy and putting a much-needed jolt into his round on the windswept Pacific layout.
It was the Northern Irishman’s first career ace on the PGA Tour and the moment quickly went viral, with highlights lighting up social media and golf broadcasts around the globe.
A Defining Shot
The 15th hole at Pebble Beach is always a test of precision, especially when coastal breezes come into play. McIlroy, who had been battling the conditions, stepped up to the tee with a smooth swing and struck a towering 9-iron. The ball flew right at the flag, landed a few feet short, bounced twice, and spun directly into the hole.
The crowd erupted, McIlroy raised both arms in disbelief, and even playing partner Jake Owen—his celebrity Pro-Am teammate—was seen celebrating wildly.
“I’ve waited my whole career for one of those on the PGA Tour,” McIlroy said after the round. “To do it here at Pebble, on that hole, in this tournament—it’s just epic.”
The ace provided a highlight not just for McIlroy but for the entire day’s action, underscoring why fans flock to this event year after year.
Leaderboard Impact
Heading into the 15th, McIlroy was hovering around even par, struggling to gain traction on a day when scoring opportunities were scarce. The hole-in-one gave him a critical birdie-equivalent jolt of momentum. He went on to finish the round at two-under-par (70), placing him just inside the top 15 heading into Friday’s second round.
While the shot didn’t vault him into the outright lead—Thomas Detry and Justin Thomas ended the day tied at six-under—it could be a turning point. McIlroy has been searching for rhythm early in the 2025 season, and Thursday’s ace might be exactly what he needed to ignite his confidence.
Other Notables
Beyond McIlroy’s heroics, the first round saw a mix of surprises and standouts. Jordan Spieth, a past champion at Pebble, carded a disappointing two-over 74, putting pressure on his Friday performance to make the cut. Meanwhile, Sahith Theegala turned in a bogey-free 67, putting himself in contention yet again after a strong start to the season.
The Pro-Am format added extra entertainment, with NFL star Josh Allen and actor Chris Pratt drawing huge crowds alongside their pro partners. But make no mistake—McIlroy’s ace was the undisputed moment of the day.
What’s Next
With weekend weather expected to be more challenging, scoring could tighten further at Pebble Beach. McIlroy’s ace has not only boosted his position on the leaderboard but also shifted the spotlight firmly in his direction. If he can follow up his memorable shot with steady play, he’ll be a serious contender heading into Sunday.
Eyes will also be on players like Detry, Theegala, and Viktor Hovland, who all showed strong form early. But in a tournament known for drama and iconic moments, McIlroy’s ace has already secured its place in Pebble Beach lore—and he’s not done yet.
