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Sports · 6 min read

Collin Morikawa Triumphs At Pebble Beach Pro-Am In Dramatic Fashion

Morikawa claims his seventh PGA Tour title as top stars battle for a $20 million purse at one of golf’s most iconic venues.

On a windswept Sunday along the dramatic cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula, Collin Morikawa delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come, capturing his seventh PGA Tour title at the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. With a final score of 22-under-par (266), Morikawa edged out Min Woo Lee and Sepp Straka by a single stroke, earning a hefty $3.6 million share of the tournament’s $20 million purse and 700 FedExCup points. The victory, his first since 2023, was a testament to his resilience and competitive fire in a field stacked with the world’s very best.

The week began under the shadow of a star-studded leaderboard, with each of the top 10 players in the world teeing it up for the PGA Tour’s first signature event of the season. Defending champion Rory McIlroy made his 2026 debut at Pebble Beach, hoping to repeat his 2025 triumph. Early on, it looked like Akshay Bhatia might run away with the tournament after building a six-shot lead on Saturday, but golf at Pebble is never that simple. By Sunday, Bhatia’s advantage had shrunk to just two shots, and the field was charging hard behind him.

Morikawa, who started the week with a modest 3-under-par opening round that left him tied for 39th, began his ascent on Friday with a 4-under-par 68. But it was his electrifying 62 on Saturday—a round for the ages—that vaulted him into serious contention. That effort set the stage for a tense final round, where the lead changed hands multiple times and the outcome was uncertain until the very last putt dropped.

"I just tried to stay patient and play my game," Morikawa said after hoisting the trophy, as reported by the PGA Tour. "Pebble Beach is a place where you can’t get ahead of yourself. I knew if I kept hitting good shots, I’d have a chance on the back nine." That patience paid off, as Morikawa’s 5-under-par final round was enough to outlast the competition in the gusty, unpredictable conditions that Pebble Beach is famous for.

The final leaderboard was a testament to the depth and drama of the field. Both Min Woo Lee and Sepp Straka finished at 21-under-par (267), each collecting $1.76 million and 375 FedExCup points. Tommy Fleetwood and Scottie Scheffler tied for fourth at 20-under-par (268), earning $877,500 apiece. Scheffler’s final-round 63 was one of the day’s highlights, featuring three bogeys and three eagles—including a kick-in eagle at the iconic 18th hole that briefly gave him a share of the clubhouse lead. "I knew I had to go low today," Scheffler said, reflecting on his aggressive approach. "It’s never over at Pebble until you’re in the house."

Akshay Bhatia, who led after three rounds, struggled to an even-par finish on Sunday and dropped to a tie for sixth with Sam Burns at 19-under-par (269). Each took home $690,000 and 250 FedExCup points. The volatility of the final round was on full display as several players made big moves up—and down—the leaderboard. Rory McIlroy, for instance, fired an 8-under-par final round to leap 25 spots and finish tied for 14th at 17-under-par (271), pocketing $342,750.

The tournament, which has long been known for its picturesque setting and celebrity-laden pro-am format, was elevated in 2026 as a signature event, drawing the deepest field in its history. The total purse of $20 million reflects the PGA Tour’s commitment to rewarding excellence and attracting the game’s top talent to its marquee stops. The payout structure saw even those finishing in 80th place walk away with $32,000—a testament to the event’s prestige and the stakes at play.

Morikawa’s win at Pebble Beach is especially meaningful considering his journey over the past few seasons. After bursting onto the scene with two major titles and a string of high-profile victories, he endured a relative drought, with his last win coming in 2023. The 2026 triumph not only breaks that spell but also reaffirms his status as one of the sport’s elite. "It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position," Morikawa admitted. "To do it here, at Pebble Beach, with this field, it means everything."

For Lee and Straka, the runner-up finish is both a disappointment and a validation. Both played superb golf throughout the week, and their closing rounds kept the pressure on Morikawa until the very end. Fleetwood and Scheffler, meanwhile, showed that they remain among the most dangerous players on Tour, each mounting a Sunday charge that had fans on the edge of their seats.

The 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am will be remembered not just for Morikawa’s resurgence, but for the sheer depth of competition and the spectacular setting that once again lived up to its reputation. The tournament’s move to signature event status has clearly paid off, with the world’s best battling it out for one of the richest purses in golf and the coveted title at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

Looking down the payout list, the rewards for excellence were spread far and wide. The top 10 finishers included a mix of established stars and rising talents: Sam Burns, Akshay Bhatia, Ryo Hisatsune, Shane Lowry, Nico Echavarria, Jake Knapp, Jacob Bridgeman, and Hideki Matsuyama all finished inside the top ten, each earning at least $515,000. The event also saw strong performances from players like Matt Fitzpatrick, Patrick Cantlay, Tom Hoge, and Tony Finau, all of whom finished in the top 20.

As the dust settles on Pebble Beach, attention now turns to the next signature event on the PGA Tour calendar: the Genesis Invitational at Riviera. If the action at Pebble is any indication, fans are in for another thrilling chapter in what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable season. For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Collin Morikawa, who reminded everyone why he’s one of the most exciting talents in golf today.

The 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am delivered on every promise—a world-class field, a dramatic finish, and a champion who rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Golf fans couldn’t have asked for a better Valentine’s weekend on the Monterey Peninsula.

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