McIlroy vs Spaun play-off LIVE: Players Championship updates, start time, rules

GOLF: MAR 15 PGA The Players Championshiplive

JJ Spaun and Rory McIlroy tee-off at 1pm. (Image: Getty)

Rory McIlroy and JJ Spaun will fight it out for the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass today after both players finished 12-under par. The Northern Irishman had seemed destined for a 28th PGA Tour title on Sunday when he led by four shots, but missed chances to seal victory as Spaun surged back to level matters.

The American even came close to winning it on the last, but his birdie putt on the 18th green stopped agonisingly short. It means the pair will contest a play-off today before the winner is crowned.

Follow our live updates below…

What time does the play-off start?

The two players are due to tee off on the 16th at 9 am in Florida, which is 1pm UK time.

There is no time limit on the play-off itself. Play was suspended during the final round amid a threat of lightning, but organisers will be relieved to see that no weather disruptions look likely today. 

How does the play-off work?

So, McIlroy and Spaun will do battle over the final three holes of the course – the 16th, 17th, and 18th.

The format is simple. The man who takes the least shots over the three holes will be declared the winner. However, if the players are level after the last, it becomes sudden death.

That means the two will head back to the 16th and whoever wins the hole will take the silverware. If they still can’t be separated, the sudden death format will stay in play for the 17th and the 18th holes – and the two rivals may even have to head back to the 16th if needs be. 

So it could be all over in a few minutes…..or we might be left hanging on for hours.

GOLF: MAR 16 PGA The Players Championship

Rory McIlroy will head back out onto the course today. (Image: Getty)

Good morning!

Welcome to our live coverage as Rory McIlroy and JJ Spaun fight it out for The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

The pair couldn’t be separated yesterday, so will contest a play-off to determine the winner.

Sit back, get comfortable, and follow the build-up and then the drama as it unfolds here.

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