McIlroy feels 'close' to his best after Pebble Beach triumph

Rory McIlroy believes he has never been closer to his best at this stage of the year, having made a winning start to his PGA Tour season at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

McIlroy edged out his close friend and former Ireland Olympic team-mate Shane Lowry for a two-shot victory in California, carding a six-under-par 66 in Sunday's final round.

The four-time major winner began his fourth round one shot back of Sepp Straka, but the Austrian ultimately finished tied for seventh as McIlroy and Lowry battled for the title.

An eagle on the par-five 14th proved crucial for McIlroy, who finished 21 under for the tournament.

Speaking to Sky Sports after lifting the trophy, McIlroy said his triumph teed him up perfectly for a season in which he is hoping to end an 11-year wait for a fifth major title.

"I'm close [to my best], I'm pretty close. I feel like I controlled my ball flight well in the crosswinds, this week I drove the ball really well," the Northern Irishman said.

"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.

"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.

"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 I'm really happy with where everything is."

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Lowry made a tough start to Sunday's fourth round but recovered with birdies at holes 11, 12, 14 and 16 to stay within touching distance of McIlroy.

However, Lowry's missed birdie putt at the 17th provided McIlroy with breathing space, and he parred the final two holes to clinch his triumph.

"There's still a few scenarios playing through your head. I even thought if Shane had made birdie at 17, a three-shot on 18 compared to two shots is different," McIlroy said. "I was relieved to see him not hole that.

"I knew today was going to be tough and exciting, there were so many guys around the lead. I had to put that to the back of my mind and try to shoot a score, which I was able to do.

"To have that walk up 18 and take it all in was really cool."