McIlroy and Spaun Force Monday Playoff at Players Championship After Weather-Delayed Final
Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun tied at 12-under par after 72 holes at the 2025 Players Championship, forcing a Monday playoff at TPC Sawgrass. The three-hole aggregate playoff will begin at 9 a.m. ET.
McIlroy shot a final-round 68 while Spaun posted a 72, setting up a compelling contrast between the 27-time PGA Tour winner McIlroy and Spaun, who seeks his second career victory in his 228th start.
The dramatic final round saw McIlroy surge early with a birdie-eagle start before a four-hour weather delay interrupted play. After the restart, McIlroy built a three-shot lead but couldn't maintain it as Spaun fought back to force the playoff.
The decisive moment came on the 18th hole when McIlroy successfully two-putted from 73 feet for par. Spaun, needing a birdie to win outright, left his 31-foot putt just short.
Three players finished tied for third at 10-under par, two shots behind the leaders.
The winner of Monday's playoff will claim the prestigious Players Championship title and a $4.5 million first-place prize. The three-hole aggregate playoff format will determine who takes home the Tour's flagship event trophy.