Bonus golf: McIlroy and Spaun tie at The Players Championship, setting up Monday playoff

Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun engaged in an epic battle at The Players Championship, with the outcome still undecided as darkness fell on Sunday. McIlroy, the favorite, held a three-shot lead over Spaun after a rain delay but was unable to close out the victory.

Spaun, determined not to give up, made a late surge to catch McIlroy with some brilliant shots down the stretch. The two players finished tied at 12-under 276, setting up a playoff on Monday morning to determine the winner.

McIlroy, a four-time major champion, expressed his disappointment at not being able to secure the victory on Sunday. However, he remains focused and determined to come out on top in the playoff.

Spaun, on the other hand, relished the opportunity to face off against McIlroy and prove his own abilities on the big stage. Despite being the underdog, Spaun is confident in his own abilities and is determined to emerge victorious.

The playoff at The Players Championship will take place on the iconic 16th, 17th, and 18th holes at TPC Sawgrass. Both players will need to make five good swings to secure the win, with the pressure mounting as they battle it out for the title.

In addition to McIlroy and Spaun, Tom Hoge, Lucas Glover, and Akshay Bhatia finished tied for third, earning a share of the $25 million purse. Corey Conners, a native of Listowel, Ontario, also had a strong showing, finishing tied for sixth.

As the sun set on Sunday evening, the stage was set for an exciting conclusion to The Players Championship on Monday morning. Golf fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of the playoff between McIlroy and Spaun, as they battle it out for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.