"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott looks at Rory’s return to the winner's circle on the PGA TOUR. A Lim Kim’s wire-to-wire win in Orlando. And a preview of week five of the TGL, pitting Rory’s Boston Commons against Morikawa’s LA Golf Club.
Rory Shines at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
In a commanding display, Rory McIlroy outpaced the competition to clinch victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This year, the iconic tournament attracted a blend of top professional golfers and eager amateurs, but McIlroy’s mastery stole the spotlight as he posted a 21-under par 267 to clip buddy Shane Lowery by two shots,
Starting the final round, McIlroy found himself in a tightly contested battle tied with Shane Lowry, but his unwavering focus and exceptional performance secured his first win of the season. McIlroy’s ability to maintain composure under pressure was evident as he showcased his sharp short game and excellent course management acumen throughout the event. His performance sent a clear message to the field: Rory is ready for 2025.
Driving Distance: The McIlroy Advantage...But Wait, There's More
What truly set McIlroy apart was his command of the driver. Averaging a staggering 336 yards off the tee, McIlroy stretched the fairways at Pebble Beach in ways most players could only dream of. Not only was his distance off the tee mind-boggling but his T19, 67.86% fairways in regulation stat, was equally impressive in the stiff breezes of the Monterey Penisula. This blend of power and precision gave him a significant edge, allowing for easier approaches to the greens and putting pressure on his competitors to play flawlessly. His consistent length off the tee and uncompromising accuracy made him a formidable opponent throughout the tournament.
When you look at his entire stat line, beyond his prowess off the tee, you can easily see why Rory is one of the best players in the world.
| SG: Off The Tee | 5.970 | (1) |
| SG: Putting | 4.262 | (7) |
| SG: Total | 13.985 | (1) |
| Greens in Regulation | 70.83% | (T19) |
| Scrambling | 76.19% | (T8) |
| Putts per GIR | 1.63 | (15) |
The Challenge From Lowry, Glover, Rose, and Henley
Shane Lowry relentlessly pursued McIlroy, hoping to capitalize on any potential misstep by the leader. Lowry, known for his clutch performances and deft touch around the greens, made a valiant run at his good friend Rory, but in the end, he would end two shots shy at 19-under par. Others who made their presence felt included Lucas Glover and Justin Rose, who finished at 18-under par, and Russell Henley at 17-under par 271.
Other notable names who played well included Sepp Straka and Tom Kim at 16-under, Billy Horschel at 15-under, and a returning World #1, Scottie Scheffler, who also finished at 15-under 273.
A Return to Form
Rory McIlroy's recent victory marks a strong start to the new season and reinforces his status among the elite in golf. His last PGA TOUR win was at the Wells Fargo Championship in May of last year, and his triumph at Pebble Beach showcases his unwavering dedication and resilience as a top competitor worldwide. This win also emphasizes his commitment to improving his game, especially amid the growing competition on the PGA TOUR.
Looking Ahead
McIlroy's win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will undoubtedly boost his morale and create a buzz among his fans. More importantly, it signals exciting prospects for some of the game's most noteworthy upcoming events, such as the Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, The PLAYERS, and, of course, The Masters. Will this be the year that Rory slips on the Green Jacket? If he plays like he did at Pebble, his chances will be pretty good.
LPGA Wrapup: A Lim Kim Dominates in a Wire-to-Wire Victory
The LPGA Tour season began with great flair as South Korean golfer A Lim Kim clinched a resounding victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Kim's triumph was a testament to her solid game, as she commanded the tournament from start to finish, delivering a flawless wire-to-wire win.
Kim's performance at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club was nothing short of exquisite. She expertly navigated the course and displayed control in every aspect of her game: she hit 80% of her fairways, averaged 275 yards off the tee, hit the green 81% of the time, and averaged 28 putts per round.
Holding Off the Competition
One of the highlights of the tournament was a thrilling challenge from World #1 Nelly Korda. Recognized for her fierce competitiveness, Korda made nine birdies in the final round, offset by two bogeys en route to a 7-under pat 65, pushing Kim to her limits. However, Kim's composure, precision iron play, and putting ultimately secured her position at the top.
An Exciting Start to a Historic Season
The year has kicked off with great excitement as the LPGA Tour celebrates its 75th anniversary—a remarkable milestone in women's professional golf. Kim's impressive wire-to-wire victory, alongside the standout performances of renowned stars like Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, Minjee Lee, and Lydia Ko, has set a thrilling tone for the season ahead. With such talented players in the mix, it’s shaping up to be a historic year filled with memorable moments and fierce competition.
TGL Week 5 Preview: Boston vs. L.A.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 4t, we will see Rory’s Boston Commons tee it up at SoFi against Collin Morikawa’s L.A. Golf Club. Joining Rory’s Boston crew will be Ryder Cup Captian Keegan Bradley and Adam Scott. Representing L.A. Golf Club alongside Morikawa is Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose.
With Rory coming off his big win at Pebble and others playing Tuesday also in good form, this should be a great match, much like last week’s where Tiger’s Jupiter Links team won in a chip-off 4-3.
You can watch the action on ESPN starting at 9:00 Eastern, and it will also be streamed on ESPN+ and the TGL website and app.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
