Scottie Scheffler Shines in Season Debut at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler made a strong return to the PGA Tour, shooting a 5-under 67 at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Competing on the Spyglass Hill course during the first round, Scheffler is just three shots behind the leader, Russell Henley, who carded an impressive 8-under 64.
Strong Start Amid Challenges
Scheffler’s round began with a few early struggles, including a missed fairway and green. However, he quickly recovered, marking his first birdie on the par-5 14th hole. Delving into his usual form, he dominated the back nine, amassing four birdies in six holes. Despite some late competition from other players, Scheffler remained in contention throughout the first round.
Following the rotation of courses, players will move to Pebble Beach for the final two rounds, a format designed to keep the competition dynamic. In the first round, Pebble Beach played approximately four strokes under par, while Spyglass Hill was nearly two strokes more challenging.
Leaderboard Highlights
As of Thursday evening, the leaderboard reflects a tight race:
- 1. Russell Henley (-8)
- T2. Viktor Hovland, Jake Knapp, Justin Rose, Cam Davis, Sepp Straka, Rasmus Højgaard (-7)
- T8. Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, among others (-6)
- T15. Scottie Scheffler (-5)
Notably, Viktor Hovland, despite expressing doubts about his performance prior to the tournament, secured a top position on a course where he previously triumphed at the U.S. Amateur.
Rory McIlroy’s Stellar Performance
Four-time major champion McIlroy showcased exceptional skills on Spyglass Hill, leading in strokes gained tee to green. He recorded a hole-in-one on the par-3 15th, further consolidating his place within the top 10. McIlroy emphasized a newfound confidence in his wedging game, which he attributed to improved distance control and targeting.
Jordan Spieth’s Return
2017 tournament winner Jordan Spieth also made his season debut. Although he started strong with three early birdies, his performance faltered slightly on the back nine, ultimately finishing with a 70. Nonetheless, Spieth’s putting and scrambling showed signs of promise, suggesting a potential upswing as the tournament progresses.
An Unusual Day for Contenders
Both McIlroy and his fellow Irishman Shane Lowry made headlines with hole-in-ones during Round 1, adding a celebratory spirit to the tournament atmosphere at Pebble Beach. Lowry’s ace occurred on the famed par-3 7th, becoming his third career hole-in-one on the PGA Tour.
Looking Ahead: Thoughts on Round 2
As the tournament progresses, attention turns to the players facing variations in course difficulty. Moving forward, players taking on Pebble Beach are expected to have an edge over those returning to the more formidable Spyglass Hill. The odds favor Scottie Scheffler at 7/2 and Rory McIlroy at 11/2, indicating strong public interest in their potential success as the event unfolds.
This season opener signals significant excitement and competitiveness among top-ranking golfers. With several renowned players making their debuts, the anticipation builds for an intriguing weekend at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The tournament will likely have implications for rankings and player momentum as the PGA Tour season kicks into high gear.
