Scottie Scheffler has recorded a five-shot victory at the Players Championship, ensuring that he returns to world number one in the process.
Having opened the final round with a two-shot lead, the American was widely fancied to add yet another notable PGA Tour crown to his collection.
On the third hole, Scheffler missed a par putt from less than five feet to give encouragement to his rivals, but it was merely a blip before he put on a masterclass at the turn.
Scheffler birdied every hole between the eighth and 12th, opening a six-shot lead over Tyrrell Hatton who sensationally birdied the final five holes of his round to catapult himself into second.
With the strengthening wind causing issues for the late starters, the Englishman would have hoped for a calamitous hole from Scheffler down the back stretch to cause a few frayed nerves.
Although a bogey came on 14 and his drive on 18 was wayward, Scheffler had more than enough margin for error to ensure that a capitulation was out of the question.
Rather than end the tournament with what looked like it would be bogey, Scheffler drained a putt from 20 feet 10ins to seal a deserved success.
The winning moment for Scottie Scheffler @THEPLAYERSChamp 🏆 pic.twitter.com/rUOszAs6vT
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 12, 2023
Hatton finished second on his own by two shots, with Viktor Hovland and Tom Hoge in a tie for third having posted rounds of 68 and 70 respectively.
Hideki Matsuyama threatened to challenge Scheffler but had to make do with fifth, while Min Woo Lee had to settle for a share of sixth.
As many as six other players concluded the tournament in that position, including England's Justin Rose and the United States' Max Homa.
Former champion Rickie Fowler ended strongly to finish in 13th, compatriot Jordan Spieth was 19th and Tommy Fleetwood was 27th after dropping four shots on his final five holes.
Darren Plant
