Sepp Straka Leads AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Amid Challenging Weather

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Sepp Straka surged to a three-shot lead at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after posting a second consecutive 7-under 65 on Friday. The Austrian golfer, fresh off a victory at The American Express, now stands at 14-under 130 heading into the weekend.

Straka’s performance came despite challenging weather conditions, with temperatures dropping and rain beginning to fall during the final hour of play. “Went from zero to about 20 miles an hour pretty quickly,” Straka said of the wind, which contributed to his only bogey of the round on the 16th hole.

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, two of the tournament’s marquee names, struggled to keep pace. McIlroy carded a 70, including a wild back nine that featured four bogeys in six holes before a 25-foot eagle putt on the 18th. Scheffler, making his 2025 debut after minor hand surgery, also shot 70, highlighted by a remarkable par save on the 18th after his tee shot landed on the beach.

Russell Henley and Cam Davis trail Straka by three shots, while Tony Finau sits in a group at 10-under 134. The weekend forecast predicts gusts approaching 30 mph and intermittent rain, which could further test the field. “It’s going to change Pebble a lot,” Finau said. “We’ll have to adjust, just adapt as we do out here.”

Straka credited his recent success to a slight adjustment in his putting grip, which he said has made a “huge difference.” However, he downplayed the idea of being on a hot streak, quipping, “A six-round run? I think Scottie Scheffler is on a run.”

The third round will be broadcast on CBS and Golf Channel, with coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday. Streaming options include exclusive early coverage and featured group action starting at 11:30 a.m. ET.