McIlroy Joins Elite Company with Second PLAYERS Championship Win: playoff highlights
Rory McIlroy joins Scottie Scheffler, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods as the only multiple winners of The Players Championship.
Rory McIlroy secured victory at The Players Championship in a three-hole playoff against JJ Spaun, marking his second win at the event and his 39th worldwide title.
With this victory, McIlroy joins Scottie Scheffler, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods as the only multiple winners of The Players Championship.
The conclusion came after a rain-delayed final round forced a Monday finish, with McIlroy needing just three swings to clinch the win at TPC Sawgrass.
The playoff began at the par-5 16th, where McIlroy delivered a 336-yard drive, his best of the week, setting up a two-putt birdie.
Spaun, having found the rough off the tee, struggled to save par. On the par-3 17th, McIlroy’s controlled 9-iron shot found the green, while Spaun’s 8-iron overshot the island and landed in the water, effectively ending his challenge. McIlroy closed with a bogey on the 18th, finishing the playoff at one over par to secure the $4.5 million winner’s prize.
Reflecting on the victory, McIlroy acknowledged his inconsistent play during the week but emphasized his ability to compete at the highest level despite it.
“By no means did I have my best stuff this week,” he said, “but I was still able to win one of the biggest tournaments in the world.”
Spaun, who had never previously broken 70 at TPC Sawgrass, forced the playoff after nearly holing a 30-foot putt for birdie on the 72nd hole.
His approach on the second playoff hole proved costly, as he misjudged the wind and saw his shot carry long into the water. He finished as runner-up, securing $2.725 million and a place in the upcoming Masters.
The victory continues McIlroy’s strong start to 2025, having also won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier in the season.
He now turns his attention to his upcoming schedule, with plans to compete in either Houston or San Antonio before heading to Augusta National in pursuit of a career grand slam.