If the PGA Tour journeyman wins the 2025 Players, he'll look back at how he took advantage of the Rules on the ninth hole Sunday to turn a nightmare lie into an improbable birdie

One of those underdogs is J.J. Spaun, who began Saturday’s third round in solo third at 10-under par and one shot off the lead. He is also playing in the penultimate pairing with McIlroy, thus setting up quite the dichotomy since the Northern Irishman is perhaps the most popular player in the sport not named Tiger Woods.

Rory McIlroy and JJ Spaun will play a three-hole playoff Monday morning to determine the winner of the Players Championship.

Rory McIlroy built a three-shot lead on the back nine at The Players Championship and unheralded J.J. Spaun didn’t blink. They