Sepp Straka applauds Rory McIlroy’s stunning victory in the ATandT Pebble Beach Pro Am as golf royalty showcases unprecedented talent despite falling short in the final round

Sepp Straka’s Performance at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Despite falling short in the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Sepp Straka’s performance further solidified his position among golf’s elite players. Fresh off a victory at The American Express, the 31-year-old entered the final round sharing the lead with eventual winner Rory McIlroy, who showcased exceptional form throughout the tournament.

McIlroy’s impressive 66 (six under) in the final round secured him a two-shot victory in his first PGA Tour start of 2025. On the other hand, Straka struggled to a 72 (level par), finishing five shots behind McIlroy. The Northern Irishman’s dominant play, including an eagle on the challenging par-five 14th, left no room for hope for his closest competitors, including Straka.

Witnessing McIlroy’s remarkable round up close, Straka expressed admiration for his playing partner’s performance, highlighting McIlroy’s exceptional skill and precision on the course.

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: What Sepp Straka Asked Rory McIlroy

During the post-round media interviews, Straka shared his insights on McIlroy’s performance, acknowledging the Northern Irishman’s incredible abilities and impressive playstyle. Straka’s admiration for McIlroy’s game was evident, emphasizing the European Ryder Cup star’s exceptional talent and consistency on the golf course.

Challenges Faced by Sepp Straka

Before the final round of the tournament, Straka revealed that he had been struggling with illness, which affected his performance on Sunday. Straka admitted to feeling nervous and noted his difficulty with his iron play, a usually strong aspect of his game. Despite his efforts to correct his accuracy issues, Straka found it challenging to regain his usual form during the final round.

Implications on the FedEx Cup Standings

Although Straka fell short at Pebble Beach, he currently leads the 2025 FedEx Cup standings, projected to accumulate 798.8 points. Following his victory at the tournament, McIlroy is set to receive 700 points, propelling him to third place in the standings. Additionally, Hideki Matsuyama holds the second position with 782.7 points.