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.

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.

The PGA Tour's marquee event needed an extra day to finish, but Rory McIlroy claimed his 28th Tour win in a playoff over J.J. Spaun.

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