Rory McIlroy will face unheralded American JJ Spaun in a three-hole play-off to decide the winner of The Players Championship after a dramatic day on Sunday saw the Northern Irishman let slip a three-shot lead.
McIlroy, bidding for his second title at TPC Sawgrass in what is colloquially known as ‘golf’s fifth major’, went into Sunday’s final round four strokes behind Spaun but an exceptional start saw him move three ahead with six holes to play, despite a four-hour weather delay due to the threat of lightning.
But the world No 2 missed chances to stay ahead and Spaun made up the ground, leaving them both 12-under after 72 holes when play was suspended due to bad light.
It sets up a thrilling conclusion to the Players Championship, with a fifth day required for a high-stakes, three-hole play-off.
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Rory McIlroy will face unheralded American JJ Spaun in a three-hole play-off to decide the 2025 Players Championship
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Bad light meant they couldn't complete the play-off following the conclusion of Sunday's final round – which saw the men locked atop the leaderboard at 12 under par
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McIlroy is trying to win 'golf's fifth major' for the second time after his 2019 triumph at TPC Sawgrass
McIlroy grateful for chance to 'reset' on Sunday night
11:30 , Flo Clifford
“It's been a long day,” he told Sky Sports at the close of play yesterday. "I got off to a great start before play was called. And once we got back out there, I made the perfect start again with a birdie at 12.
"On the way in, I feel like I gave myself chances to close the door and win this golf tournament - and I didn't quite do that. I'm going to have to do it the hard way, stay one more night and try to do it tomorrow."
Rory McIlroy set for three-hole Monday play-off to decide Players Championship
11:15 , Flo Clifford
Rory McIlroy will return for a Monday play-off as he looks to win a second Players Championship “the hard way”. McIlroy will face JJ Spaun across the final three holes at TPC Sawgrass, with the play-off starting at 1pm UK time.
McIlroy and Spaun were tied on -12 at the conclusion of the final round on Sunday night and, with light fading, the PGA Tour confirmed that a three-hole play-off would settle the tournament.
McIlroy carded a four-under 68 but missed chances down the stretch to win. Spaun, who was playing in the final ground, shot an ever-par 72 but was inches away from a closing birdie on the 18th.
Rory McIlroy set for three-hole Monday play-off to decide Players Championship
Good morning
11:00 , Flo Clifford
Welcome to the final day of action at TPC Sawgrass, with an extra day required after lengthy weather delays on Sunday.
The title hangs in the balance as Rory McIlroy and JJ Spaun go into today’s three-hole play-off 12-under 276.
