MIAMI, 16 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – J.J. Spaun holed a dramatic 25-foot par putt on the 18th hole to retain a slender one-shot lead after a challenging third round at the PGA Players Championship on Saturday, as fierce winds tested the field at TPC Sawgrass.
The 34-year-old American, who is seeking his second PGA Tour title, battled through punishing conditions to card a two-under-par 70, bringing his 54-hole total to 12-under 204.
“It was a definite grind today with these conditions around an already difficult course,” said Spaun. “I knew I just didn’t want to let my mental game get the best of me and had to stay patient. I had to take my chances when they came – and it paid off.”
Spaun produced a series of crucial putts, including a 29-footer from off the green to birdie the par-5 16th. However, he made bogey at the par-3 17th island hole and seemed on the verge of closing with another dropped shot at the last. Instead, his long par effort on the 18th miraculously dropped after rolling around the edge of the hole.
“That was huge,” Spaun admitted. “It was a tough little wedge shot in there. I had a good line—just needed to get the speed right. It kind of hooked in there. It was nice.”
Cauley in Contention
Bud Cauley, who is still seeking his maiden PGA Tour victory, fired a superb 66, featuring seven birdies and an eagle, to sit just one shot behind at 11-under 205.
“It was tough,” said the 251st-ranked American. “It seemed like every hole was a challenge with the wind. Just getting it on the fairway, then onto the green, and finally rolling in a putt—it was all a battle.”
McIlroy Four Shots Back
Former world number one Rory McIlroy finished the round four strokes off the pace at eight-under 208, tied for fifth with Canada’s Corey Conners and American Akshay Bhatia.
“They slowed the greens down today for obvious reasons, and I didn’t adjust very well,” McIlroy admitted. “I feel like every bogey was really soft. I could have shot something in the 60s. But I have to be encouraged by how I hit it and controlled myself around there. I just need to chip and putt better tomorrow.”
Glover and Smalley Share Third
Lucas Glover, the 2009 US Open champion, and Alex Smalley finished third on 207, keeping themselves in the mix for Sunday’s final round.
Meanwhile, two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one golfer and reigning Masters champion, struggled to a 72, placing him at 211, seven strokes behind Spaun.
Challenging Conditions Shake Up the Field
Blustery conditions wreaked havoc on the players, with the average score soaring to 74. A stormy forecast has led organisers to schedule Sunday’s final round in threesomes, with tee times from both the first and 10th holes in the morning.
World number 57 Spaun, whose only PGA Tour victory came at the 2022 Texas Open, has been in solid form, finishing runner-up at the PGA Cognizant Classic two weeks ago.
Reflecting on his performance, Spaun said, “Playing in tough conditions in recent events prepared me both mentally and technically for today. I relied on those past experiences to carry me through.”
Cauley’s Childhood Dream Within Reach
On the eve of his 35th birthday, Cauley kept his hopes alive by sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at 17, a 27-footer at 15, and even chipping in for eagle from 35 feet at the par-5 ninth.
Having attended The Players Championship since childhood, Cauley is now within reach of a long-held dream.
“That would be amazing,” he said. “I came to this tournament every year growing up and dreamed about playing in it, let alone winning it.”
Additional Context for Readers:
- TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course, renowned for its par-3 17th island green, often plays a decisive role in The Players Championship.
- The Players Championship, known as the “fifth major,” is the flagship event of the PGA Tour, featuring one of the strongest fields in golf.
- Scottie Scheffler is attempting to become the first three-time consecutive champion in Players Championship history.
- McIlroy, a former Players Championship winner (2019), is aiming to claim his first PGA Tour victory since 2023.
- With Spaun, Cauley, and Smalley leading, Sunday’s final round could produce a surprise winner at Sawgrass.