McIlroy wins second Players Championship in Monday playoff drama
Alona Yadav | Mar 17, 2025, 22:24 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Rory McIlroy secured his second Players Championship title with a strong performance in a rare Monday playoff, finishing three shots ahead of JJ Spaun. McIlroy's steady play contrasted with Spaun's struggles, with essential moments at the 16th and 17th holes sealing his victory.
Rory McIlroy clinched his second Players Championship title with a commanding three-shot victory over American JJ Spaun in a rare Monday playoff at TPC Sawgrass. The Northern Irishman finished the three-hole playoff one-over par, easily outpacing Spaun who struggled to a four-over par performance through holes 16, 17, and 18.
Spaun's playoff nightmare began immediately when he found a bunker with his approach shot at the par-five 16th hole. Meanwhile, McIlroy efficiently reached the green and two-putted for birdie to take an early lead as Spaun could only manage par from the sand.
The pivotal moment came at the iconic island green 17th hole, where Spaun watched in dismay as his tee shot sailed beyond the green and splashed into the water. McIlroy safely found the putting surface, and despite a three-putt bogey, extended his lead as Spaun recorded a disastrous triple bogey.
Both players hit errant drives into the gallery on the challenging 18th hole, but McIlroy's three-putt bogey was enough to secure a comfortable victory.
"Wind coming out of a completely different direction this morning," McIlroy told NBC after his win. "I'm just glad we didn't have to play 18 in that – three was enough! I feel bad for JJ. He hit a really good shot on 17 and it just went straight through the wind."
This victory marks McIlroy's 28th PGA Tour win and makes him the first European golfer to win multiple Players Championships. The Monday finish became necessary after Sunday's weather-affected final round, where McIlroy had battled back from four shots behind to force the playoff.
"I've worked really hard. I feel like I'm a way more complete player than I was a few years ago, even in conditions like this," McIlroy said. "I feel like I can play in all conditions and anything that comes my way."
For the 35-year-old McIlroy, this represents the first time in his career he has won two PGA Tour titles in a year before the Masters – the one major championship missing from his impressive résumé.
McIlroy acknowledged that Scottie Scheffler's recent dominance, including back-to-back Players Championship victories in 2023 and 2024, had motivated him to elevate his game.
"I know I need to be better if I want to compete with him," McIlroy admitted. "I've knuckled down, I've worked hard and it's nice to tie him with this, and Tiger and the five other players to win this multiple times."
The victory comes at an opportune time as McIlroy prepares for another attempt at completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta National next month.
Spaun's playoff nightmare began immediately when he found a bunker with his approach shot at the par-five 16th hole. Meanwhile, McIlroy efficiently reached the green and two-putted for birdie to take an early lead as Spaun could only manage par from the sand.
The pivotal moment came at the iconic island green 17th hole, where Spaun watched in dismay as his tee shot sailed beyond the green and splashed into the water. McIlroy safely found the putting surface, and despite a three-putt bogey, extended his lead as Spaun recorded a disastrous triple bogey.
Both players hit errant drives into the gallery on the challenging 18th hole, but McIlroy's three-putt bogey was enough to secure a comfortable victory.
"Wind coming out of a completely different direction this morning," McIlroy told NBC after his win. "I'm just glad we didn't have to play 18 in that – three was enough! I feel bad for JJ. He hit a really good shot on 17 and it just went straight through the wind."
This victory marks McIlroy's 28th PGA Tour win and makes him the first European golfer to win multiple Players Championships. The Monday finish became necessary after Sunday's weather-affected final round, where McIlroy had battled back from four shots behind to force the playoff.
"I've worked really hard. I feel like I'm a way more complete player than I was a few years ago, even in conditions like this," McIlroy said. "I feel like I can play in all conditions and anything that comes my way."
For the 35-year-old McIlroy, this represents the first time in his career he has won two PGA Tour titles in a year before the Masters – the one major championship missing from his impressive résumé.
McIlroy acknowledged that Scottie Scheffler's recent dominance, including back-to-back Players Championship victories in 2023 and 2024, had motivated him to elevate his game.
"I know I need to be better if I want to compete with him," McIlroy admitted. "I've knuckled down, I've worked hard and it's nice to tie him with this, and Tiger and the five other players to win this multiple times."
The victory comes at an opportune time as McIlroy prepares for another attempt at completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta National next month.