Rory McIlroy has secured his second title at The Players Championship, triumphing over J. J.Spaun in a playoff that extended into Monday morning. A significant weather delay resulted in a late finish at TPC Sawgrass on Sunday, and with both McIlroy and Spaun tied at 12-under-par, a three-hole playoff was required the following day.
However, the wait proved worthwhile for McIlroy, who outperformed Spaun after three holes to claim the £3.5 million top prize. This marks the four-time major champion's second win of the season, following his victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month, positioning McIlroy as a strong contender ahead of April's Masters.
Despite starting the final round on Sunday four shots behind the leader, the 35 year old quickly ascended the leaderboard. McIlroy made an impressive start, securing a birdie at the first hole before achieving an eagle at the par-five second green.
Despite a bogey at the seventh, he swiftly recovered with a birdie at the par-three eighth, while Spaun struggled with bogeys at the fifth and eighth, allowing McIlroy to join him at the top. Although Spaun managed his first birdie of the day at the eighth, it wasn't enough to maintain his lead, reports the Mirror.
The Northern Irish golfer scored another birdie at the par-five 11th, putting him one ahead of Spaun before play was halted due to a lightning threat. Following a significant delay, McIlroy and his fellow competitors returned to the course on Sunday, with the two-time champion continuing his strong performance by birdieing the 12th.
However, the pause in play didn't favour Spaun, who made a bogey at the 11th upon resuming, swiftly extending McIlroy's lead to three. The game was far from over though, as a bogey at the 14th for McIlroy and a birdie for Spaun in the following group resulted in a two-shot swing, reducing the lead back to one.
As darkness fell on Sawgrass, McIlroy navigated the final stretch without incident, parring his way to set the clubhouse lead after scoring a four-under 68. Knowing he needed to gain a shot on the Northern Irishman, Spaun found his opportunity at the par-five 16th, bringing him level.
Spaun also successfully avoided trouble at the 17th and 18th, ensuring a Monday finish would be required to determine the championship winner. Upon their return in challenging conditions, the leading pair first faced the 16th, where McIlroy capitalised on his distance to make a birdie, while Spaun could only manage a par.
The drama unfolded at the iconic par-three 17th hole, where McIlroy managed to land safely on the green. However, Spaun wasn't as fortunate.
The water hazard surrounding golf's most famous green has claimed many top players over the years, and world No. 80 Spaun was its latest victim.
His tee shot flew beyond the green and into the water, forcing him to retreat to the drop zone. This resulted in a triple-bogey six for Spaun, giving McIlroy room for error.
Despite three-putting for bogey, McIlroy maintained a three-shot lead heading into the final hole.
Even with an off-target tee shot down the right at the 18th, McIlroy could afford to savour his walk up the fairway, knowing his second Players title was within reach. Although he finished with another bogey, it was inconsequential.
McIlroy emerged victorious from the playoff, securing his 28th PGA Tour title.
