Rory McIlroy has admitted he's relieved after beating J.J Spaun to win the Players Championship on Monday.
With the weather in California causing problems, both men were forced to decide this year's winner via a blockbuster play-off.
McIlroy was then able to reign supreme, with the Briton finishing with a bogey to become the first European to win the Players Championship on multiple occasions.
The Northern Irishman had also won his second title of 2025, something that bodes well as he bids to win the Masters next month.
Rory McIlroy has admitted he's relieved after beating J.J Spaun to win the Players Championship on Monday
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McIlroy now has his 28th victory in the PGA Tour and his triumph marks the first time he's won twice before the Masters later in the year.
Speaking in the immediate aftermath of his success, the Briton admitted he was relieved.
"The wind came out in a completely different direction to yesterday - I'm glad we didn't have to play 18 holes in that!" he said."
Ever the class act, McIlroy then sent a classy message to Spaun after the American had pushed him all the way at Sawgrass.
"I feel really bad for JJ," he continued.
"He hit a great shot on the 17th but it just went straight through the wind. I was lucky to do enough to get it done.
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Rory McIlroy wins The Players on St Patrick's Day! 🍀🏆 pic.twitter.com/OQ3eAIFahz
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) March 17, 2025
"I am unbelievable proud and happy to win my second Players Championship.
"And it's the third time I've won on St Patrick's Day. It's been a good-luck charm for me!"
McIlroy secured victory with one birdie and two bogeys across the final three holes, with Spaun shooting himself in the foot with a triple-bogey on the 17th hole.
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His victory actually comes seven years to the day since he last secured glory in The Players back in 2019.
McIlroy was joined by wife Erica and daughter Poppy in the minutes after his win, with the golfer looking delighted in the presence of his family.
Former golf star Zane Scotland, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, had nothing but positive things to say about the Northern Irishman.
Rory McIlroy kept his cool to beat JJ Spaun to Players Championship glory
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"He didn't have his A game but that's what we wanted to see from Rory," he said. "He came here and won such a prestigious title.
"I think what we saw was the Rory impact on JJ Spaun."
McIlroy's focus will now be on winning the Masters, with the Briton eager to clinch a first major since securing the PGA Championship back in 2014.
