McIlroy overcomes nerves and tough finish to win second PLAYERS Championship

Rory McIlroy found an unusual way to shake off the sting of a missed opportunity—room service and a late-night streaming of The Devil Wears Prada. With a three-hole playoff looming against J.J. Spaun on Monday morning, the four-time major champion knew he couldn’t dwell on Sunday’s faltering finish for long.

That didn’t make sleep any easier.

“I was as nervous as I can remember,” McIlroy admitted, waking up at 3 a.m. unable to settle his mind. A three-shot lead had slipped through his fingers in the final holes at TPC Sawgrass, forcing an extra session to decide THE PLAYERS Championship. It was a battle of David vs. Goliath—the decorated McIlroy with 27 PGA TOUR wins against Spaun, a former collegiate walk-on who only had one.

McIlroy responded like a champion. He launched a towering drive down the 16th fairway in the playoff, setting up a wedge approach that led to an easy birdie. When Spaun’s tee shot on the infamous 17th found trouble, McIlroy’s path to victory became clear. By the time they reached the 18th, the outcome was inevitable—McIlroy had secured his 28th career PGA TOUR title and became just the eighth player to win multiple PLAYERS Championships.

“I didn’t get it done last night and I really wanted to,” McIlroy said. “But I felt like I handled everything and handled those nerves really well.”

Sunday’s stumble could have been costly. Holding a three-shot lead with six to play, McIlroy bogeyed the 14th after a wild drive, missed a five-footer for birdie at 15, and failed to capitalize on the reachable 16th. But when given a second chance, he adjusted. A newfound commitment to conservative strategy and improved touch around the greens proved pivotal.

“By no means did I have my best stuff this week,” McIlroy admitted, “but I was still able to win one of the biggest tournaments in the world. That’s a huge thing.”

With two wins before April, McIlroy’s 2025 season is off to a dominant start—just in time for another run at major championship glory.

Photo – BBC