The air at TPC Sawgrass always feels different in March. It’s heavy with the kind of tension that only a $25 million purse and an island green can create. If you’re checking the leaderboard and wondering who won the players golf tournament today, you might be looking for a name that hasn't changed in months. As of January 15, 2026, the reigning king of Ponte Vedra Beach is still Rory McIlroy.
He didn't just win it; he survived it.
The 2025 edition of The Players Championship was a grueling, weird, and ultimately historic affair that wrapped up on a chilly Monday morning. Yes, Monday. Because in golf, the weather rarely cares about your television schedule. Rory outlasted J.J. Spaun in a three-hole aggregate playoff that left most fans breathless and Spaun likely staring at the water on the 17th in his nightmares for weeks afterward.
What Really Happened with The Players Championship Final
Most people think Rory just cruised to his second Players title. Honestly, it was the exact opposite. He started the final round four shots back. He was chasing a guy in J.J. Spaun who was playing the golf of his life.
Spaun hadn’t hit a single ball into the water all week. Not one. Until the playoff.
🔗 Read more: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
The playoff format at Sawgrass is unique. It’s a three-hole aggregate score on holes 16, 17, and 18. Rory basically put the hammer down immediately. He pummeled a 336-yard drive on the par-5 16th, setting up a birdie. Spaun followed with a drive that found the rough. Advantage, Rory.
But the real drama happened at the 17th. The Island Green. It’s only about 135 yards, but it looks like a postage stamp when $4.5 million is on the line. Rory played it safe—a knockdown 9-iron to the fat part of the green. Spaun, needing to make a move, saw his ball catch a gust of wind and disappear into the lake. He ended up with a triple-bogey 6.
Game. Over.
The Numbers Behind the Victory
It wasn't just about the playoff, though. Rory’s week was a masterclass in "finding a way."
💡 You might also like: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
- Total Score: 276 (-12)
- Winner's Check: $4,500,000
- Key Stat: Rory was 3rd in the field for Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee.
Why the 2025 Result Still Matters in 2026
We are currently in the "waiting room" for the 2026 tournament. The next Players Championship is scheduled for March 12–15, 2026. Until those gates open at Sawgrass, Rory is the man to beat.
This win was huge for his legacy. It made him only the eighth player in history to win multiple Players Championships. Think about that list for a second. Jack Nicklaus. Tiger Woods. Fred Couples. Davis Love III. Steve Elkington. Hal Sutton. Scottie Scheffler. And now, Rory McIlroy.
He’s the first European to ever win it twice. That’s the kind of stuff they put in the Hall of Fame brochures.
The Alternate Story: Danny Walker’s Wild Week
If you want a "feel-good" detail that most people forget, look at Danny Walker. He wasn’t even supposed to be in the tournament.
📖 Related: When Was the MLS Founded? The Chaotic Truth About American Soccer's Rebirth
Jason Day withdrew on Thursday morning, just 90 minutes before his tee time. Walker, the first alternate, was literally in the locker room when he got the call. He rushed out, played out of his mind, and ended up finishing T6. He walked away with over $840,000. Before that week, his total career earnings were less than $200,000.
That is the magic of The Players. One guy wins $4.5 million and a trophy, and another guy changes his entire family's life by finishing sixth.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Tournament
As we sit here in January, the buzz is already starting for March. Scottie Scheffler is going to be hungry to reclaim the title. Ludvig Åberg is everyone's "sleeper" pick (if you can call a top-10 player a sleeper).
But the question of who won the players golf tournament today remains answered by Rory's performance. He’s currently fine-tuning his game, likely hitting thousands of balls to prepare for his defense.
Actionable Insights for Golf Fans
- Mark the Calendar: The 2026 Players Championship starts March 12. If you want tickets, you're probably already too late for the cheap ones, but keep an eye on the resale market.
- Watch the 17th: If you ever visit TPC Sawgrass, you can actually play the course. Just bring extra balls. Even the pros look terrified of that 17th hole.
- Track the FedExCup: Rory’s win gave him 750 points, which basically guaranteed his spot in the Tour Championship. If you're betting on golf this year, look at guys who perform well on "stadium" courses with high grass and fast greens.
Rory McIlroy’s 2025 victory was a reminder that in golf, experience and a "big stick" off the tee usually win out, even when a "walk-on" like J.J. Spaun puts up a heroic fight. We'll see if he can do it again in two months.
To prepare for the 2026 tournament, start monitoring the PGA Tour's Florida Swing results in February. Historically, players who finish in the top 10 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational have a significantly higher probability of contending at TPC Sawgrass. Focus on "Strokes Gained: Approach" as the leading indicator of success on the Stadium Course's demanding layout. Check the official PGA Tour app for live updates as the March 12 start date approaches.