Rory McIlroy defeats J.J. Spaun in playoff for second Players title

Mar 16, 2025; Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy watches his drive on the sixteenth tee during the final round of The Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrated St. Patrick's Day by winning a three-hole aggregate playoff against J.J. Spaun to capture his second title at The Players Championship on Monday morning at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

McIlroy took a one-shot lead when he birdied the par-5 16th hole, and the task of protecting that advantage became much easier when Spaun hit his tee shot over the famed island green at the par-3 17th and into the water.