The Players: Rory McIlroy Defies The Odds To Win Title

The playoff was only three holes. Rory McIlroy needed only three swings. And yet his victory Monday over J.J. Spaun in The Players Championship revealed so much about the state of his game and the cruel nature of the notorious TPC Sawgrass. McIlroy delivered an early knockout against J.J. Spaun with his best drive of the week that set up a simple birdie, followed by a three-quarter 9-iron into a cold, cackling wind that found land on the island green at the par-3 17th. It라이브 바카라 the first time in his career he has won twice going into the Masters, the major that for more than a decade has kept him from joining golf라이브 바카라 most elite group with the career Grand Slam.

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Updated on: 18 March 2025 12:12 pm

The Players Championship golf tournament photos: Rory McIlroy

Players Championship Golf: Rory McIlroy reacts during a trophy ceremony | Photo: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts during a trophy ceremony after winning a playoff round of The Players Championship golf tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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Players Championship Golf: Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland with trophy | Photo: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts during a trophy ceremony after winning a playoff round of The Players Championship golf tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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The Players Championship golf tournament photos: J.J. Spaun

Players Championship Golf: Rory McIlroy, right, and J.J. Spaun | Photo: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Rory McIlroy, right, of Northern Ireland, reacts after winning a playoff round of The Players Championship golf tournament against J.J. Spaun, left, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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Players Championship Golf: J.J. Spaun, center, reacts after a putt on the 18th green | Photo: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

J.J. Spaun, center, reacts after a putt on the 18th green during the final round of The Players Championship golf tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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Players Championship Golf: Rory McIlroy reacts after completing the 18th hole | Photo: AP/Chris O'Meara

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, reacts after completing the 18th hole during the final round of The Players Championship golf tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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Players Championship Golf: J.J. Spaun reacts to his putt on the 18th green | Photo: AP/Chris O'Meara

J.J. Spaun reacts to his putt on the 18th green during a playoff round of The Players Championship golf tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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Players Championship Golf: Rory McIlroy walks on the 18th fairway | Photo: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, walks on the 18th fairway during the final round of The Players Championship golf tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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