Rory McIlroy in the lead at The Players as rain threatens a Monday finish
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Players Championship turned into a race against time on Sunday when thunderstorms halted play right after Rory McIlroy surged into a one-shot lead on the back nine.
The PGA Tour stopped play at 1:15 p.m. The final group had not completed the 11th hole, meaning a little more than two hours would be required to finish.
McIlroy, already a winner this year and going for a second title at The Players, began the final round four shots behind and started birdie-eagle to immediately get into the fray. His birdie on the par-5 11th hole put him at 12 under.
J.J. Spaun, who had a one-shot lead going into the final day, was 1 over for his round and one shot behind McIlroy.
Akshay Bhatia and Tom Hoge were two shots behind.
Hoge was 6 under for his round and through all the problems on a windy day. He hit his approach to just outside 15 feet on the 18th hole when the horn sounded to stop play. His hope was to post a target and see if it would stand.
If storms stayed in the area and there wasn't enough daylight to finish, players would have to return Monday morning to see who captures the $4.5 million prize from golf's richest tournament.
Two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler was seven shots behind playing the 16th hole. Scheffler went 15 consecutive holes without a birdie, from the 13th hole on Saturday until the 11th hole on Sunday.
The last time The Players had to finish on Monday was in 2022, when Cameron Smith won. Weather was so disruptive that week that the third round was not completed until Monday morning.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
| 10h ago |
-
Play suspended at Players with McIlroy in lead
Shortly after Rory McIlroy had taken the lead at 12 under, play was suspended at The Players Championship because of lightning in the area.ESPN - 12h -
The Players Championship: Rory McIlroy leads Sunday as final round suspended due to weather
Rory McIlroy holds a one-shot lead over J.J. Spaun with play suspended due to lightning.Yahoo Sports - 13h -
The Players Championship: Rory McIlroy, J.J. Spaun end the day tied, will face off Monday in playoff
Rory McIlroy couldn't hold a three-shot lead, and he and J.J. Spaun will play for The Players on Monday morning.Yahoo Sports - 8h -
Rory McIlroy to return on fifth day for playoff against JJ Spaun
Players Championship to be settled over three holes Leading pair back on Monday after weather delay Rory McIlroy’s bid for a second Players Championship will rumble into a fifth day. He may well ...The Guardian - 7h -
Spaun leads The Players as McIlroy clings on
Rory McIlroy is four shots back from unheralded American JJ Spaun at The Players Championship going into the final round.BBC News - 1d -
McIlroy and Spaun face Monday play-off at The Players
Rory McIlroy will have to return on Monday for a play-off after American JJ Spaun erased his lead over the final few holes at a storm-affected Players Championship.BBC News - 8h -
The Players Championship: Lucas Glover, Camilo Villegas lead field; Rory McIlroy one stroke back
On a rough day for some stars, Rory McIlroy and others stepped up at Sawgrass.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Players Championship: Rory McIlroy blows 3 shot lead with five holes to play; in Monday playoff
While McIlroy is seeking his 28th PGA Tour victory, Spaun is seeking his second. The winner will earn $4.5 million. The runner-up takes home $2.725 million.Yahoo Sports - 6h -
How to watch Monday's playoff with Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun in the 2025 Players Championship
Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun will be in a Monday playoff to determine the winner of The Players Championship.Yahoo Sports - 8h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
‘Boring, boring Chelsea’ risk not making Champions League unless away form improves
It used to be ‘Boring, Boring Arsenal’, but Chelsea are in danger of becoming the team to send supporters – particularly their travelling fans – to sleep.Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Nigeria seek World Cup redemption, Sudan eye history
Underperforming Nigeria and disadvantaged Sudan share the spotlight ahead of two 2026 World Cup qualifying matchdays in Africa from Wednesday. Seeded fifth in Group B, Sudan occupy first place ...Yahoo Sports - 20m -
Newcastle would be ultimate feel-good story – if not for Saudi Arabian ownership
The giant screens at Wembley captured the full gamut of human emotion: the relief of Ant and Dec, the euphoria of Alan “I’m just a sheet metal worker’s son from Newcastle” Shearer, the tears of ...Yahoo Sports - 29m -
Cavaliers' winning streak ended by Magic comeback
The Orlando Magic fight back to upset the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-103 and end the Cavs' 16-game winning streak.Yahoo Sports - 31m -
Barcelona MVP Lamine Yamal reflects on hard-fought Atletico win – ‘If I was going to score…’
Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal delivered a standout performance against Atletico Madrid, earning himself the MVP award. The game was anything but straightforward, as Barça found themselve...Yahoo Sports - 31m
More in Sports
-
Your guide to all 68 teams in the men’s NCAA tournament
The bracket is set, here's everything you need to know about the competitors for this year's national title.ESPN - 15m -
It's bracket time: Make your picks for the men's tournament
The bracket is set. Here's everything you need to know about the competitors for this year's national title.ESPN - 15m -
‘Boring, boring Chelsea’ risk not making Champions League unless away form improves
It used to be ‘Boring, Boring Arsenal’, but Chelsea are in danger of becoming the team to send supporters – particularly their travelling fans – to sleep.Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Nigeria seek World Cup redemption, Sudan eye history
Underperforming Nigeria and disadvantaged Sudan share the spotlight ahead of two 2026 World Cup qualifying matchdays in Africa from Wednesday. Seeded fifth in Group B, Sudan occupy first place ...Yahoo Sports - 20m -
Newcastle would be ultimate feel-good story – if not for Saudi Arabian ownership
The giant screens at Wembley captured the full gamut of human emotion: the relief of Ant and Dec, the euphoria of Alan “I’m just a sheet metal worker’s son from Newcastle” Shearer, the tears of ...Yahoo Sports - 29m