Defending champion McIlroy makes solid start as Hisatsune sets pace
Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, began the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a steady performance, but it was Japan's Ryo Hisatsune who stole the show with an impressive 10-under 62 score. Hisatsune, just 23 years old, showcased his talent with a 6-under score at the turn and finished with four birdies on the back nine, making it the PGA Tour's opening event of the season.
McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, trailed behind by six shots after a 4-under 68 in California. Despite a promising start with consecutive birdies on the 10th and 11th holes, and another on the 17th at Spyglass Hill, including an eagle chip out of a greenside bunker on the 14th, his performance took a turn after the turn. He faced double bogeys on the third and fifth par-three holes due to a cold putter.
Despite picking up shots on the second, fourth, and ninth holes, McIlroy has a challenging task ahead in the second round, especially compared to Scottie Scheffler, who is ranked higher. Scheffler, an American with an impressive top 10 record, struggled with an even par 72 score.
Sam Burns, Scheffler's friend and compatriot, had a better day at Pebble Beach golf links, finishing second with a 9-under score alongside Keegan Bradley. Chris Gotterup, a two-time winner this season, started with six birdies in a row and is currently at 8-under, along with Tony Finau and Patrick Rodgers. England's Matt Fitzpatrick is also at 6-under, while Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry from Ireland, as well as Harry Hall from England, made solid starts at 5-under.
With a substantial $20 million (£14.7 million) prize pool, 18 of the top 20 players worldwide are competing in this 80-man field. Pebble Beach will host the third and fourth rounds on Saturday and Sunday, making it a highly anticipated event.
