Rory McIlroy today became the first European to win The Players Championship more than once after beating JJ Spaun in a three-hole playoff at TPC Sawgrass.
The pair finished level on 12-under-par last night after 72 holes, meaning they had to come back today and play the 16th, 17th and 18th once again.
McIlroy birdied 16 to take an early lead before the momentum swung firmly in his direction when the American overclubbed and hit through the island hole on 17 and into the water.
He scrambled to make a triple bogey and with McIlroy carding a four, they strode to the 18th with the Northern Irishman three shots in front.
The 35-year-old also bogeyed the last but Spaun was unable to take advantage as McIlroy secured his second win of the season and 28th on the PGA Tour.
"Unbelievably proud to win my second Players Championship. And it's the third time I've won on St Patrick's Day!" 🍀
Rory McIlroy reflects on winning The Players after a playoff against J.J. Spaun 🏆 pic.twitter.com/upvD6IxWsz
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) March 17, 2025
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McIlroy – I feel bad for JJ
He said: “The wind came out in a completely different direction to yesterday – I’m glad we didn’t have to play 18 holes in that!
“I feel really bad for JJ. He hit a great shot on the 17th but it just went straight through the wind. I was lucky to do enough to get it done.
“I am unbelievable proud and happy to win my second Players Championship. And it’s the third time I’ve won on St Patrick’s Day. It’s been a good-luck charm for me!”
It was a disappointing end to a fantastic week for Spaun, who is set to rise from his current position of 57th in the world rankings.
J.J. Spaun is in the drink at the 17th! 🫣 pic.twitter.com/MsAyFzKBey
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) March 17, 2025
I hit it too good on 17 – Spaun
The Californian was inevitably asked about his mis-judgement on 17, saying: “I was committed to the shot, the shot shape and the club. I just hit it too good and it went right through the wind. I was almost telling it to get up, because I thought I saw it floating…
“I did what I needed to do, it just didn’t go in my favor. It’s hard not to feel discouraged a little bit but it’s great to put myself in contention, and if I’d told myself that at the start of the week, I’d have taken it.”
