Rory McIlroy double champion at Sawgrass

Rory McIlroy won the Players Championship on Monday! In a three-hole playoff, the Northern Irishman seized the opportunities missed by his opponent JJ Spaun to claim a second title at the prestigious TPC Sawgrass course, six years after his first triumph. Matthieu Pavon finished 54th.

Rory McIlroy wins THE PLAYERS Championship – via Twitter @PGATour

Rory McIlroy left no room for suspense during Monday's playoff at TPC Sawgrass. Tied with JJ Spaun at -12 after the fourth round, the Northern Irishman took advantage of his opponent's struggles to win in three holes (+1 to +4).

From the 16th, McIlroy took the lead with a birdie, showing off his power by hitting the green in two. But it was on the 17th that everything came down to it. The famous island par 3 trapped the American, a shot that was too long, which sent his ball into the water, conceding a triple bogey. McIlroy, despite a three-putt and a bogey, entered the final round with a three-shot lead.

On the final hole, the 18th, McIlroy simply had to push the ball. Despite another bogey, McIlroy capped his week with a victory on St. Patrick's Day: a perfect day for all Irishmen. With this second Players title, six years after his first, McIlroy confirmed his excellent form just weeks before the Masters, where he will be aiming for a career Grand Slam.

Rory McIlroy, two-time winner of the Players Championship

Rory McIlroy, two-time Players Championship winner – via Twitter @THEPLAYERS

JJ Spaun, despite the disappointment of finishing with a "mere" runner-up spot, entered the world top 50 and secured his ticket to the next Masters.

Never in the running, world number 1 Scottie Scheffler finished in the top 20, with a total score of -4 and a final day of +1.

Matthieu Pavon finished his week in 54th place in the rankings. It's a shame for the Frenchman, who struggled more over the weekend with two over-par shots of 76 (+4) and then 73 (+1).

To find the complete leaderboard of THE PLAYERS Championship: click here.

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