McIlroy and Spaun to battle in a three-hole playoff after nerve-wracking Players Championship finale

Rory McIlroy’s bid to claim a second Players Championship will stretch into a fifth day after an agonising near-miss from underdog JJ Spaun forced a dramatic three-hole playoff. McIlroy, who at one point held a commanding three-shot lead, must now return to TPC Sawgrass on Monday to battle for the PGA Tour’s most prestigious title.

It could have all been over on Sunday evening. Spaun, playing fearless golf, stood over a 30-foot putt on the 18th with a chance to steal victory. The ball rolled towards the hole, slowing just inches before it could drop in—denying the American what would have been a career-defining moment.

McIlroy, who had carded a 68 to finish at 12-under, was visibly relieved. “I feel like I should be going home with the trophy tonight, but that’s fine,” he said. “I’ll reset and hopefully go home with it tomorrow.”

The day had begun with McIlroy four shots off the lead, but he wasted no time clawing his way back. Within five holes, he was tied at the top. A four-hour weather delay threatened to derail his momentum, but he returned to the course in determined fashion, birdieing the 12th to establish a three-shot cushion. However, McIlroy faltered slightly in the closing stretch, dropping a shot while Spaun made crucial birdies on the 14th and 16th to level the contest.

The final two holes at Sawgrass have a reputation for producing high drama, and Sunday was no different. McIlroy was left fuming after an awkward lie on the 17th prevented a birdie, but he recovered with a stunning iron shot into the 18th fairway. His approach left him 73 feet from the pin, and a solid two-putt secured his par.

Spaun, the unheralded challenger, had his own moment of nerve-shredding tension. After finding the pine straw off the tee on the 18th, he delivered a clutch approach to set up his heartbreaking near-miss. His round of 72 kept him tied with McIlroy, ensuring a Monday showdown.

Behind them, Tom Hoge, Lucas Glover, and Akshay Bhatia finished two shots back at 10-under. Meanwhile, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre secured another top-10 finish despite a frustrating late stumble.

Elsewhere, world number one Scottie Scheffler saw his bid for a third straight Players title fall apart with a closing 73. “I feel like I’m close, but there’s stuff I need to work on,” Scheffler admitted after finishing outside the top ten.

Monday’s playoff will be played over three holes, with McIlroy entering as the clear favourite. But with nothing to lose, Spaun has already shown he can match the four-time major winner shot for shot.

The stage is set for a nerve-wracking conclusion—one where the slightest mistake could decide the fate of the Players Championship.