Triumphant superstar Rory McIlroy has issued a statement of intent as he warned rivals that he is feeling 'pretty close' to his peak - as he basked in the success of a first PGA Tour win of the season. The Northern Irishman has two victories from his last three outings, with his latest coming at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The 35-year-old edged out a thrilling contest at the legendary Californian course to clinch the spoils ahead of compatriot Shane Lowry by two shots.

McIlroy appeared to be in the mood to entertain from the offing in Carmel, having thrilled spectators with a hole-in-one in the opening round. Eventually, the man from County Down seized the 27th PGA Tour title of his career as he carded a 66 in the final round, finishing 21-under-par. Following on from his heroics at Pebble Beach, McIlroy updated fans on how he was feeling as he issued a stern message to his peers while speaking to Sky Sports. Addressing whether he is nearing his peak, he said: "Yeah I'm close, I'm pretty close. I feel like I controlled my ball flight well in the crosswinds this week I drove the ball really well.

"I think I'll always nitpick and there's always things about my game that I want to try to get better, because that's just who I am," he continued, providing an insight into his mindset. "I'm trying to get the most out of myself all the time, but I also have to accept at the same time where my game's at right now.". Expressing his delight at how he fared in the opening PGA Tour event of the calendar year, he added: "It is in a really good shape and probably as sharp as it's ever been at the end of January, start of February, heading into the season. So really, really happy with where everything is.".

His remarks will sound a warning to rivals, including players on the LIV Golf tour, who will be bracing themselves for the challenge of coming up against the legendary star at this year's major championships. The first major of the year will come at the Masters which takes place at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club between April 10–13. Seven previous Green Jacket holders have since defected to the Saudi Arabian breakaway league - but remain eligible to compete at the Masters, having previously won the tournament. As a result, LIV rebels Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Sergio García will be joined by Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel and Phil Mickelson in the field.

Meanwhile, McIlroy will be looking to finally end his decade-long wait for another major title this year. For now, he is happy to enjoy getting off to a victorious start in 2025, telling CBS: "Some people would argue the golf courses I have won on are not up to a Pebble Beach or an Augusta, but to win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really, really cool. "I knew today was going to be tough, it was going to be exciting, there were so many guys around the lead and I guess with it being Pebble Beach I had to put that to the back of my mind and go out there and try to shoot a score, which I was able to. Really cool to have that walk up 18 and take it all in.".