Despite two bogeys in his first eight holes to start the final round of the Players Championship on Sunday, JJ. Spaun held a share of the lead at 11 under as he made his way to the back nine at TPC Sawgrass.

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.

There are few things that Spaun would take back from what has to be considered a career-best performance, even if he has a single tour win in the Valero Texas Open. Maybe his putt on the 72nd hole on Sunday evening, when his ball came up about two rolls short of victory on a birdie try.

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.