The 2025 PLAYERS Championship playoff was one to forget for JJ Spaun. The American wilted under pressure against a more used-to-winning competitor in Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irish golfer set the tone from the first hole itself, the par-5 16, where he carded a Birdie. Spaun could only make par, giving McIlroy a one-stroke lead.
At 17, the pressure finally got to Spaun, as his tee shot landed in the water at the famous Island Green. His putting ditched him and despite McIlroy hitting a bogey, Spaun could not capitalize ending up with a surprising triple bogey for the hole and needing to beat McIlroy by three strokes at the last hole. Spaun had not even recorded a double bogey during the regular 72 holes he played.
McIlroy finished the par-4 18 in 5 holes, leaving Spaun to finish second in what was a thrilling five days of golf. McIlory took to X to put out a celebratory message. This was his 2nd ever PLAYERS Championship title, having clinched the 2019 title at the TPC Sawgrass. Then it was beating Jim Furyk by 1 stroke.
“Proud to join such elite company with two @THEPLAYERS wins. It’s one of the greatest championships we play. This game has a way of testing you, but there’s no better feeling than getting it done on a stage like this,” the visibly happy Northern Irishman tweeted out. With the 2025 title, he has just become one of eight players in the PLAYERS history to have won the title more than once, joining the likes of Jack Nicklaus(the only one with three), Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, and Scottie Scheffler.
Proud to join such elite company with two @THEPLAYERS wins. It’s one of the greatest championships we play. This game has a way of testing you, but there’s no better feeling than getting it done on a stage like this. pic.twitter.com/EQsC1VL1FW
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) March 17, 2025
The replies to his tweet were filled with congratulatory messages while also giving him a positive reminder about what lies ahead for the four-time Major winner.
Fans congratulate Rory McIlroy on his success at the PLAYERS
Fans were extremely joyous to see Rory claim his 28th PGA Tour title at the Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida. He is now tied for 20th in the list of players with the most number of PGA Tour victories and is the active Tour player with the most number of victories outside of Tiger Woods. One fan kept it short and sweet, stating, “Congrats Rory,” for this wonderful achievement.
The victory is a special one in many regards. The playoff took place on St. Patrick’s Day a traditional holiday in Ireland that celebrates their patron saint, St. Patrick. Therefore McIlroy’s victory resonates very well across the Atlantic, considering it happened on a grand occasion. “Congratulations Rory! St. Patrick’s Day is your lucky day! Well done and well deserved!”
This is the first time in a calendar year that McIlroy has registered two wins before the Masters Tournament. This also leaves a lot of time for him to go and achieve more victories in his bid to go higher up the rankings for the most number of PGA Tour victories.“Enjoy watching your game continue to grow! Savour it and get ready for the next!” tweeted another joyous fan.
The four-time Major winner has his eye on the next trophy to put up on his mantel. One that has eluded him for years, coming closest in 2022 when he was ousted by Scottie Scheffler. Yes, the Masters! McIlroy is yet to win the Masters Tournament always falling short at the Augusta National Golf Course. That also remains the most significant trophy that the Northern Irish golfer is yet to win. With the form that he is in, he will be looking to break the curse this year and lay his hands on the coveted title.
Fans were ecstatic with the PLAYERS victory and took it upon themselves to remind McIlroy that the Masters is coming up and he needs to be fit and ready for it. Several fans expressed a desire to see Rory McIlroy win the major this year tweeting out, “Rooting for you at the Masters. Congratulations.”, “Lookin good ol’ boy! Now in the Masters!”, “You’re going to win the Masters, Rory. Believe.” The belief and support is there, McIlroy just needs to deliver in April.
“Go get that green jacket!!!!!”, one fan tweeted, keeping in mind that the coveted green jacket lying in wait at the Augusta National Golf Course for McIlroy to lay his claim.
Go get that green jacket!!!!!
— KWB (@Maizeandbluebru) March 17, 2025
Two victories this early into the season means that there is more to come. McIlroy currently leads the FedEx Cup standings, despite only playing in 4 PGA Tour events this year. This is due to his two victories and two top 20 victories at the two other signature events – the Genesis Invitational and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. This could be the beginning of something exemplary, similar to Scheffler’s 2024 season. One fan expressed his delight at McIlroy’s success, exclaiming, “Go make it a historic year! Unleash your swing!”
With Bethpage creeping in as well, Luke Donald will be smiling at the form of Rory McIlroy. Do you think McIlroy will break free from his Masters’ shackles and register a Career Grand Slam?
The post ‘Go Get That’: Fans Predict Rory McIlroy to Finally Break His Decade Long Curse Amid Historical Win at TPC Sawgrass appeared first on EssentiallySports.