The Northern Irishman’s triumph was as breathtaking as the setting itself, with the Pacific waves crashing against the iconic course under clear skies. His victory injected energy into the early PGA TOUR season, which had been relatively subdued until now.  

On a day when six players held at least a share of the lead, McIlroy made his decisive move on the 10th hole, sinking an 18-foot birdie putt against a stiff coastal breeze. He put the tournament beyond doubt on the par-5 14th, where a towering drive and a pinpoint 7-iron approach left him a 25-foot eagle opportunity, which he confidently converted.  

“To win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really cool,” McIlroy said, reflecting on his achievement.  

Shane Lowry, who had shared the lead earlier, saw his chances slip when his second shot on the sixth hole veered over the cliffside. Despite this setback, he mounted an impressive comeback, carding a back-nine 31, including a closing birdie for a 68 that secured him second place.  

Lucas Glover (67) and Justin Rose (68) finished a stroke further back, while overnight leader Sepp Straka struggled to a 72 and settled for seventh. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, making his return after minor hand surgery, shot a final-round 67 to finish tied for ninth.  

McIlroy has set high expectations for himself this season, with his primary focus on the majors from April to September—particularly the Masters, where he will once again attempt to complete the career Grand Slam. A homecoming at The Open Championship in Northern Ireland and a Ryder Cup at Bethpage are also key targets.  

“It's a really cool way to start the season,” McIlroy said after his victory. **“To get this win this early means a great deal, and hopefully I'll keep the momentum going into Torrey Pines in a couple weeks’ time.”

The turning point came on the challenging sixth hole, which disrupted several contenders. Rose found trouble off the tee, while Tom Kim’s second shot tumbled down the hill towards the ocean. Lowry, in the final group, also faltered here.  

However, McIlroy had looked in control from as early as the second hole, where a delicate pitch from 50 yards over a bunker set up a short birdie putt. Even after a bogey on the eighth, he responded in style—rolling in a birdie at the 10th, landing a pinpoint tee shot to set up another on the 12th, and finally breaking clear with his eagle on 14.  

For the third consecutive day, McIlroy launched a towering drive over the trees and bunkers on the 14th, finding the fairway in prime position. Unlike the previous two rounds, where he had to settle for par, this time he capitalised with a brilliant eagle, stretching his lead to four. A wedge to three feet on the 15th set up another birdie, ensuring a comfortable walk down the stretch.  

“When he's good, he's great. And when he's not great, he's good,”  Glover observed. “There's a reason he's got 20-something wins and a bunch of majors and the game he has. Impressive round out there today under the pressure and under the conditions.”  

With this win, McIlroy claimed his 27th PGA TOUR title, moving to 21st on the all-time victories list. While his major count remains at four—his last coming in the 2014 PGA Championship—this triumph reinforces his status as one of the game’s elite.  

The victory also marks his second in a Signature Event, a concept he helped shape. McIlroy, who won at Quail Hollow last year, pocketed $3.6 million for his efforts, finishing at 21-under 267—just shy of the tournament record.  

Lowry attempted to keep the contest alive, but a missed 7-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole prevented him from cutting the lead to two. Nevertheless, his runner-up finish earned him a $2.16 million payday.  

“I always say I believe when players like Rory McIlroy turn up and they have their ‘A’ game, they’re pretty impossible to beat,” Lowry admitted.  

With his game in peak form, McIlroy now turns his attention to the season ahead, with Torrey Pines next on his schedule. If this performance is any indication, 2025 could be a defining year in his career.