PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun are set to face off in a thrilling three-hole playoff on Monday after they both finished The Players Championship tied at 12 under par.
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, McIlroy, who built a three-shot lead earlier in the final round, finished with a 4-under 68, maintaining his strong performance throughout the tournament. Conversely, Spaun, who dealt with challenges during his round, posted an even-par 72 but managed to make up ground on the latter holes to force the playoff.
With significant stakes on the line, including $4.5 million and 750 FedEx Cup points, the atmosphere at TPC Sawgrass has been electric. The trailer reminded spectators about the rich history and prestige of this renowned tournament, emphasizing the top-notch competition it entails.
The planned playoff was necessitated by unexpected thunderstorms which caused play to be suspended at 1:15 p.m. ET and did not resume until 5:15 p.m. After the rain halted play midway through the final round, the ending was pushed to Monday to determine the champion.
During regulation play, McIlroy showcased his skills on several occasions, needing just two putts from 75 feet on the 18th hole to secure the tie with Spaun by finishing at 12-under 276. Despite his earlier lead, McIlroy faced some hiccups down the stretch. He bogeyed the 14th hole and missed birdie putts on the 15th and 16th, allowing Spaun to catch up. Spaun, who committed to the challenge, made key plays on 14 and 16 minutes to level the score by making birdies on those holes.
“I need to go home and help my wife out with the kids. It’s been tough juggling with all the travel and responsibilities,” Spaun said just before the round concluded. He expressed his gratitude for both the opportunity to compete for the championship and his wife's patience, mirroring the personal sacrifices many athletes make.
After missing birdie chances on the 15th and 16th holes, McIlroy focused on making it through the 18th, managing to putt under pressure to achieve the final scoreline. Despite the obstacles posed by inclement weather and competitive players like Tom Hoge, who finished with a 66 and placed two shots behind, both McIlroy and Spaun remained resolute.
The atmosphere was tense as Spaun's long putt attempted to secure the win on the signature 17th hole but fell just short, adding to the competitiveness. Asked about his emotions, Spaun quipped, “Yeah, she would not mind at all [if I win]. The sacrifice would pay off at this point, for sure.”
Now, with nothing but the playoff remaining, fans eagerly await the outcome, set for Monday morning at 9 AM ET on renowned holes 16, 17, and 18. The playoff marks the first since 2015, igniting nostalgia among golfers and fans alike.
The final group matches up against fierce competition, as Akshay Bhatia, Tom Hoge, and Lucas Glover each closed at 10 under. The anticipation builds as the golfers prepare for Monday, reminding everyone of the enduring allure and unpredictability of professional golf.
The $25 million purse creates living moments for the tournament's participants, and with substantial rewards on the line, players must demonstrate skill and resilience throughout the playoff format.
Yet, for players like Spaun and McIlroy, the stakes extend beyond the championship trophy and monetary rewards, encapsulating their intertwined stories of ambition, struggle, and potential victories through their exhausting journeys.