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.

J.J. Spaun still couldn't believe the 17th-hole splash at The Players Championship, the shot that denied him in Monday's playoff vs. Rory McIlroy.

J.J. Spaun ejected at TPC Sawgrass’ island green on his way to losing the Players Championship playoff to Rory McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy needed an extra hour and three additional holes to confirm his spot in the winner's circle at the 2025 Players Championship when he won an aggregate playoff over J.J. Spaun in a three-hole aggregate playoff in chilly and windy conditions Monday morning at TPC Sawgrass.