Rory McIlroy took a congratulatory call from his wife and daughter after securing a thrilling win at the ATandT Pebble Beach Pro-Am, marking a strong start to his 2025 PGA Tour campaign.
The Northern Irishman, who opened the tournament with a hole-in-one, carded a 66 in the final round to finish 21-under-par, clinching his 27th PGA Tour title.
Rory McIlroy’s joy was written all over his face as he enjoyed a call with daughter Poppy after his latest PGA Tour success (Image: PGA TOUR)
McIlroy, a four-time major champion, edged out fellow Irishman Shane Lowry by two shots, capping an impressive week for the duo in Carmel. Following his victory, a heartwarming clip on the PGA Tour’s official X page showed McIlroy beaming with pride as he took a Facetime call from his wife Erica Stoll and their daughter Poppy.
The caption read: “Rory had an important call to take after winning the@ATTProAm,” with Poppy’s sweet voice heard saying: “I love you, mwah, congratulations, Papa.”
The golfer from Northern Ireland expressed his pleasure at his performance at Pebble Beach, saying to CBS’ interviewer Amanda Balionis: “Some people would argue the golf courses I have won on are not up to a Pebble Beach or an Augusta, but to win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really, really cool.
“I knew today was going to be tough, it was going to be exciting, there were so many guys around the lead and I guess with it being Pebble Beach I had to put that to the back of my mind and go out there and try to shoot a score, which I was able to. Really cool to have that walk up 18 and take it all in.
“Coming to the last hole at Pebble with a three-shot lead and being able to enjoy it somewhat was really cool. It’s been a great week for a lot of different reasons, hole-in-one, playing Cypress for the first time, obviously getting a win.
“Yeah, it’s been — yeah, it’s been a really cool week. Obviously couldn’t wish for a better start for my PGA TOUR season. I’ve been on a nice run of form since last fall. I’ve played some really good golf and continued that into this year. Yeah, just obviously, as I said, just a great way to start the year.”
Upon reaching the impressive tally of 27 PGA Tour victories, McIlroy added: “Yeah, no, getting to that number is really cool. I think for me it’s even more meaningful that I don’t really play a full, full schedule on the PGA TOUR either. I spend my time between here and the DP World Tour.
“Yep, I reckon I’m up over 40 or 40 worldwide wins, which is a pretty cool number. Yep, absolutely, 27 is a cool number on the PGA TOUR. Hopefully I keep adding to that and break a 30 barrier at some point this year and keep going from there.”
Balionis was among those to pay tribute to McIlroy, posting on social media: “Win number 27! For Rory McIlroy and one he’ll remember for sure. As a golf history buff, you know putting his name on this trophy is meaningful as is a win to kick off 2025. It’s nearly impossible to beat a perfect Sunday at AT&T Pro-Am and my goodness were we lucky to experience exactly that today.”
