PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The final round of The Players Championship on March 16, 2025, faced significant interruptions due to weather conditions, leading to delays and tense moments for players and fans alike. Organizers had taken precautionary measures by adjusting tee times and grouping players together to avoid extending the day’s play past sunset, which was slated for 7:35 p.m. ET.
The initial rounds kicked off at the TPC Sawgrass under challenging weather forecasts. PGA Tour officials moved tee times up earlier on Sunday and arranged the players to tee off in threesomes instead of pairs, anticipating thunderstorms. But their efforts proved to be only partially successful.
Just as Rory McIlroy started to assert his dominance by taking the lead after the 11th hole, play was suspended at 1:15 p.m. ET due to lightning concerns. He had surged to -12, having gone 4 under for the day with birdies and eagles, showcasing his severe competitiveness on this demanding course.
Alongside him were competitors J.J. Spaun, who was -11 but faltering with his score at 1 over for the final round, and Tom Hoge, Akshay Bhatia, and Danny Walker matched at -10, vying closely for top leaderboard spots. The atmosphere was tense, as fans and players alike were left anxiously assessing the weather, hopeful for the resumption of play.
The interruption lasted roughly four hours, with PGA Tour officials continuing to monitor conditions closely. An update at 4:25 p.m. ET from the PGA Tour confirmed the reopening of practice and warm-up facilities, carving out hope for fans and players alike. The championship was scheduled to resume at 5:15 p.m. ET.
“We’ve been reviewing this weather for three or four days, and unfortunately, it’s held its pattern,” remarked Stephen Cox, vice president of rules and tournament administration, capturing the frustrations shared by tournament officials.
Even as thunderstorms lingered, forecasts suggested clearing conditions were on the horizon, allowing the championship to return before sunset. The players were prepared; the final group, consisting of Spaun, Cauley, and Lucas Glover, had only 7.5 holes remaining to complete when the suspension was announced.
When play resumed at 5:15 p.m., McIlroy was ready to navigate the final stretch as dusk approached. The final round was moving quickly under tense circumstances. Officials aimed to finish the tournament and avoid the catch of Monday play, something they had managed to evade throughout past years until the last Monday finish resulting from inclement weather occurred during the 2022 Players Championship.
At 6:00 p.m. ET, McIlroy found himself near the end of his round, leading by one shot over Spaun. But the tight window before darkness settled over TPC Sawgrass kept fans on the edge of their seats. The conditions were conducive for serious play, allowing for the potential of sudden changes on the leaderboard as players pushed their skills against time and the dimming afternoon.
Looking at the forecast at TPC Sawgrass, light rain persisted throughout the day, with none of the storms predicted to carry through past 8 p.m. ET, offering just enough assurance for officials to maintain their belief they could wrap things up before full darkness set.
Golf enthusiasts followed closely as players battled through the curveballs nature had thrown at them. Tommy Hoge was making his stand, back on the final hole, keeping hope alive before the conclusion. The tension was palpable, highlighting the spirit of the game—the grit of competition balanced with the unpredictability of the elements.
McIlroy escalated the leaderboard throughout the final confrontation, achieving the kind of performance expected of someone hoping for his second title at The Players. He began the day four shots behind and quickly sought to establish himself, utilizing birdies on pivotal holes and managing the stakes at hand.
Stakeholders of the PGA, alongside viewers from home, waited impatiently as the tournament hung delicately between climatic circumstances and the pursuit of triumph. With the monetary stakes high, the Players Championship continued to demand the best from its contenders, presenting one of the premier environments of elite golf.
The prize for the winner rests at $4.5 million, bringing added pressure to the competitors eager to seize this coveted title. The Players Championship frequently attracts discussions on its value being akin to golf’s fifth major, and with history on the line, the event promised drama until the final putt.
Rory McIlroy’s commitment toward finishing strong remained evident, paving his path with resilience. The composition of the leaderboard encapsulates the vivid competitive nature as McIlroy eyed his second win at the prestigious tournament. Time had now become the ultimate opponent, as shadows loomed over the course and every stroke counted to triumph on this thrilling final day.