What was noticed about Rory McIlroy as he walked down the final hole at Pebble Beach which was totally different

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Rory McIlroy’s 2025 on the PGA Tour got off to the perfect start as he cruised to victory at the AT&T at Pebble Beach to win for the first time at the historic venue.

After stating he needs to be more like Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy produced another stunning effort in the final round to build on his remarkable performance in round three.

McIlroy changed tactics in round three’s bad weather and reaped the rewards on the Sunday as the likes of Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry couldn’t quite keep up with McIlroy.

Of course, for McIlroy, the big question is whether he can land major number five and crucially, be the man to really challenge Scottie Scheffler over a full season.

However, according to one golf analyst, that’s very much where McIlroy is right now.

Rory McIlroy told he can beat Scottie Scheffler after Pebble Beach win

Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports as McIlroy made his way down the 18th fairway to the adulation of the crowd, David Howell made reference to the Northern Irishman’s demeanour.

And in doing so, suggested Rory McIlroy could beat Scottie Scheffler on his day.

“I don’t think I have ever seen him so relaxed coming down the 18th. It is wonderful to see,” Howell remarked.

“Rory McIlroy at his best is a match for Scheffler, he’s a match for the rest. Arguably he is better than anyone. But he has to be on form, he hasn’t been for a lot of the time, the last couple of years but this year he has been superb.”

McIlroy puts past Pebble Beach efforts to bed

Rory McIlroy has won all around the world but to win at a course as iconic as Pebble Beach will mean a lot to him.

McIlroy has struggled around Pebble in the past, with his best ever finish being a tie for ninth at the US Open.

• READ MORE: Tom Kim says he experienced something on day three at Pebble Beach which he’s never had before in his golfing career

Indeed, last year at the same event, McIlroy finished all the way down in 66th, meaning this year marks a huge improvement in his game and overall performance.

The key for McIlroy now is to remain consistent and keep in contention to win. McIlroy has been tipped to win the Masters already and on this sort of form, few would bet against him.