The final round on Sunday at TPC Sawgrass was interrupted for several hours due to bad weather – the American weather agency NWS had issued a tornado warning over parts of Florida.
The fourth round could be completed, but then darkness stopped a playoff for victory between Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland, and American JJ Spaun, who both finished on 12 strokes under par.
"Feels sorry for" the runner-up
The three playoff holes – where a cumulative score is counted – had to be played on Monday instead, and then the four-time major winner McIlroy took control of the victory directly.
The Northern Irishman made a birdie on the first hole (hole 16, par 5) while Spaun had to settle for a par.
Already after the second playoff hole, it was practically decided. Then Spaun hit the ball straight into the water on the course's 17th hole – the iconic par 3-hole where the green is surrounded by water. In the end, it became a triple bogey for the American.
I was 100 percent sure of the club choice and it was a good shot. I may have hit it a bit too well, since the ball flew straight through the wind, says Spaun.
I feel sorry for him, says McIlroy in the victory interview in Max's broadcast.
Second victory
Admittedly, McIlroy himself made a bogey, but the three-stroke lead was never lost by the 35-year-old on the final playoff hole (hole 18).
It was the second time in his career that the Northern Irishman won The Players Championship, which is often called "the fifth major", and the prize money is 45 million kronor.
The victory was his 28th on the USA tour in his career and the second for the season. A good form indication ahead of the US Masters in April – the only major tournament that Rory McIlroy has never managed to win.
