Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun have had contrasting careers. But they both know the sting of defeat, the joy of victory, an how both mold a player.

Rory McIlroy defeated J.J. Spaun on Monday in a three-hole playoff to win the 51st Players Championship, at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Here is what happened in the playoff, shot-by-shot:

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.