But a bogey on the par-4 14th and four straight pars to finish opened the door for other pursuers. Included among that group was J.J. Spaun, who birdied the 14th and par-5 16th to match McIlroy at 12-under par.

The 2025 Players Championship will bleed into the work week as a four-hour rain delay coupled with a tie at the end of regulation will force Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun back to TPC Sawgrass early Monday morning.

Asked about going to a Monday playoff with J.J. Spaun for the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy said, “I feel like I should be going home with the trophy tonight but hopefully I’ll be going home with the trophy tomorrow.