Rick Gehman says ‘shame on me’ for opinion he held on Rory McIlroy as he makes big prediction ahead of Torrey Pines

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Rory McIlroy made a real statement with his first appearance on the PGA Tour in 2025 as the Northern Irishman clinched his first victory of the year at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

There was plenty of excitement heading into the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after an unspectacular start to the season. Rory McIlroy was making his first start of the year on the PGA Tour, while it was a similar story for Scottie Scheffler who missed the opening weeks due to a hand injury.

It would have been no surprise to see Scheffler mark his return with a victory. But ultimately, it was McIlroy who got across the line, with the 35-year-old going 65, 66 over the weekend to beat Shane Lowry by two shots.

Obviously, McIlroy has reached a level where each of his seasons are largely judged on how he has performed in the majors. Nevertheless, it was still a hugely impressive display – and has created a real excitement for what may be to come in the months ahead.

Rory McIlroy proves doubters wrong with win at Pebble Beach

McIlroy returns to action at the Genesis Invitational this week. And it seems that he has a fantastic chance of securing a second win of the year.

Speaking on RickRunGood, Rick Gehman noted how McIlroy gained more than 12 shots on the field at the most recent US Open played at Torrey Pines, as he also lauded the way he navigated his way around Pebble Beach.

“I was incredibly impressed with what Rory McIlroy did at Pebble Beach. And you have probably heard me say a million times, but the idea that he was not going to be able to really use his driver, his weapon at Pebble Beach, shame on me. Shame on me,” he said.

“He took lines I didn’t really know was possible. It was awesome stuff, and he used the driver as a weapon and he goes and wins at Pebble Beach. This is a much better setup for him.

“He’s got four trips here, including the 2021 US Open. Fifth, third, 16th, T7. He hasn’t played here in a couple of years. The tee to green numbers are spectacular, the putting numbers are above average. I think Rory McIlroy is brewing up a big 2025 and there’s no reason to think it doesn’t continue here.”

How Rory McIlroy has previously performed at Torrey Pines

McIlroy has not actually played in an event around Torrey Pines since 2021, so that may perhaps count against him this week, particularly up against such a strong field.

However, the numbers are a little frightening. McIlroy has never gained fewer than nine shots on the field across the four events he has played at Torrey over the years.

Putting was his Achilles heel in 2021, so if he fares better on the greens in the coming days, then he surely has to be an overwhelming favourite to win – particularly after Scheffler endured such a tough week at the WM Phoenix Open.

It really would put the golfing world on notice if McIlroy marked his first two PGA Tour starts of the year by winning at Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines.