Rory McIlroy has continued his strong start to 2025 by winning his second Players Championship title in a playoff against J.J. Spaun.
After failing to convert a three-shot lead during Sunday's final round, McIlroy was fortunate to earn a playoff with Spaun leaving a 31-foot putt to win agonisingly short on the last.
However, in blustery conditions on Monday morning in Florida, McIlroy's experience told as he eased to success in the three-hole playoff.
McIlroy seized the initiative with a birdie on the par-five 16th, Spaun only able to make par, and it secured the Northern Irishman the honour for the treacherous par-three 17th.
Having found his target with his tee shot, McIlroy watched Spaun send his attempt several yards clear of the green and into the water, realistically ending his chances there.
Splash for Spaun on 17 💔 pic.twitter.com/Rdj0eYu6nM
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 17, 2025
Game over before the 18th
Although McIlroy three-putted for bogey, he would take a three-shot advantage heading into the last, both players going right and long to avoid any issues with the water.
Nevertheless, that only kept things in McIlroy's favour and with Spaun unable to make a par, McIlroy was given his moment to wrap up his 28th PGA Tour triumph.
☘️ @McIlroyRory gets his third win on St. Patrick's Day! pic.twitter.com/O0V1duO7T7
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 17, 2025
Success for McIlroy sees his strengthen hold of second place in the World Golf Rankings, while Spaun catapults himself into the world's top 50 and secures an appearance at next month's Masters as reward for one of the best weeks of his career.
Darren Plant
