American golfer Collin Morikawa delivered a thrilling comeback performance to win the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, ending a wait of more than two years for a PGA Tour title. His victory came after a tense final stretch that kept fans guessing until the last putt dropped.
A Nerve-Wracking Final Round
Morikawa entered the closing holes with a two-shot advantage and appeared to be in control. However, the pressure quickly mounted when Australia’s Min Woo Lee produced a birdie on the 18th hole, while Morikawa stumbled with a bogey on the 17th. That sequence left the leaderboard tied at 21-under and opened the door for a potential playoff.
Adding to the drama, Austria’s Sepp Straka also joined the race near the end, briefly turning the contest into a three-way battle. With the crowd fully engaged and conditions becoming more challenging, the stage was set for a dramatic finish.
Wind, Delay, and a Clutch Finish
Strong winds caused a delay of nearly 20 minutes after Jacob Bridgeman’s shot, forcing players to regroup mentally during a tense pause in play. When action resumed, Morikawa showed impressive composure. His precise second shot found the green, setting up a short putt that he calmly converted.
He signed for a final-round 67, which proved enough to seal the victory and avoid a playoff. The clutch birdie under pressure highlighted his mental strength and shot-making ability, both of which had been questioned during his title drought.
Morikawa Reflects on a Special Victory
Speaking after the win, Morikawa described the triumph as deeply meaningful. He emphasized the long hours spent practicing and thinking about his game during a period when results were not going his way. Despite doubts at the start of the tournament, he trusted his preparation and stayed patient throughout the week.
His resilience was evident, especially in how he recovered from the late-round setback. Instead of letting momentum slip away, he reset quickly and delivered when it mattered most.
Strong Performances from the Field
McIlroy and Fitzpatrick Close with Impressive Scores
Defending champion Rory McIlroy also impressed, carding a flawless 64 without a single bogey. He finished at 17-under alongside England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, both delivering consistent performances but falling short of the winning total.
McIlroy is now expected to shift focus to the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles, where another strong field will gather for one of the season’s key events.
What This Win Means for Morikawa
A Turning Point in the Season
This victory could mark a turning point in Morikawa’s season. After a long stretch without lifting a trophy, the win restores confidence and reinforces his status as one of the elite ball-strikers on the PGA Tour. His ability to handle pressure on the closing holes shows that his competitive edge remains intact.
Momentum Ahead of Bigger Tournaments
With major tournaments approaching, the timing of this win is ideal. Success at Pebble Beach not only boosts morale but also sends a clear message to rivals that Morikawa is back in top form. If he maintains this level of consistency and composure, he could become a strong contender in upcoming marquee events.
Final Thoughts
Morikawa’s victory at Pebble Beach was more than just another title. It was a statement of perseverance, patience, and belief. In a tournament filled with late twists, challenging weather, and elite competition, he stayed focused and delivered when it mattered most. For fans and analysts alike, this win signals that Morikawa may be entering another strong phase in his already impressive career.
