Rory McIlroy had a mixed week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am, where he finished with a strong performance earning over a quarter of a million in prize money. Despite shooting an impressive final round of 64, which included multiple birdies, he still finished tied for 14th place and five strokes behind the winner, Collin Morikawa. This financial reward, totaling £251,234, highlights his competitive standing but also points to the challenges he faced during the tournament.

Throughout the event, McIlroy encountered ups and downs, carding three bogeys, three double bogeys, and a triple bogey alongside two eagles. These fluctuations in his performance led to an overall ranking that fell short of expectations, especially given that he was defending a title. His comments reflect a sense of wishing he could have approached the tournament differently, implying an awareness of missed opportunities that may have resulted in a better final standing.

As McIlroy reflects on his performance, it's clear that while the financial gain is substantial, the emotional aspect of competition remains paramount for top athletes. His desire to change aspects of his game indicates a persistent drive for improvement, characteristic of elite sports professionals. McIlroy's experience at Pebble Beach serves as a reminder that even at the highest levels, success is often accompanied by challenges and learning experiences.