The spotlight was firmly on the eminent trio of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele during the Players Championship’s initial two days at TPC Sawgrass. Scheffler, the world number one, had the opportunity to carve his name in history, being the first to retain the championship title in 2024. A win at TPC Sawgrass would have positioned him alongside golf legend Jack Nicklaus as the only three-time victors.
However, as the final round unfolded on Sunday, it was McIlroy who emerged as a strong contender. Despite an underwhelming performance by Schauffele, who finished last among those making the cut, and Scheffler grappling with a challenging final round, McIlroy held a promising three-shot lead during the back nine. However, the tables turned with J.J. Spaun’s late resurgence, pushing the decision of the 2025 champion to a three-hole playoff on Monday.
McIlroy, having made a significant impact with his victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year, has undoubtedly gained a significant momentum boost as he prepares for the season’s first major at the Masters. Scheffler, who had observed McIlroy’s performance closely during the first two rounds, was evidently impressed.
Scheffler remarked on McIlroy’s solid gameplay, noting his minimal mistakes and clean card. He highlighted McIlroy’s skill in sinking impressive putts, adding that he was not surprised to see McIlroy still contending for the top spot after the initial two rounds. For Scheffler, McIlroy’s performance has underscored his potential to be a tough competitor in the championship’s final stretch.
However, Scheffler’s own performance at Sawgrass was tinged with frustration as he failed to secure a third victory. The start of the year has been promising for Scheffler, particularly considering his recovery from a hand injury sustained over Christmas. Yet, the absence of a win in 2025 has raised concerns despite his consistently high rankings.
Scheffler expressed his disappointment at not performing better at the event, stating that he would have liked to secure a third victory. Despite not having what it took this week, he expressed satisfaction in his past achievements and cherished the memories of his victories.
The question hanging over Scheffler is whether he can regain his top form and deliver a performance worthy of his reputation as one of the game’s best players. His consistent position in the top 20, despite not operating at his peak, is a subtle reminder to his rivals of his potential to bounce back.