McIlroy went into the final round a shot behind Ryder Cup team-mate Sepp Straka and was tied for the lead at the turn, only to pull clear of a congested leaderboard with a stunning start to the back nine.

His victory marks the third time he has won in his season debut on the PGA Tour. Currently ranked No. 3 in the world, McIlroy said Saturday after his bogey-free round of 65 that he’ll use this week as a jumping-off point for the thick of the season and the four major championships.

Rory McIlroy dominated the weekend at Pebble Beach, earning the 27th PGA Tour victory of his carer Sunday with a brilliant final round.

It was anyone's golf tournament at Pebble Beach when the final group turned. Rory McIlroy then left the contenders in the Pacific Ocean breeze.