On a day when six players had at least a share of the lead, McIlroy took the top spot for good with a 6-iron out of the bunker to 18 feet for birdie on the 10th hole into a stiff breeze along the Pacific.

Sunday’s final round in Pebble Beach gave golf what it has sorely lacked in its recent ratings lull: a compelling tournament at a compelling golf course won by a very compelling golfer. That McIlroy’s providential ball-striking ability provided a handful of otherworldly highlights? Well, we’ll call that extra.