Scottie Scheffler insists he still had a good week at The Players despite Rory McIlroy missing out on title contention after another disappointing round at TPC Sawgrass.
Scheffler was seeking his third win at the PGA Tour’s flagship event in four years, but struggled in the first two days and was in danger of missing out on a PGA Tour event for the first time since 2022.
The world No. 1 ranked No. 1 in the world shot a 73 in the second round and needed a birdie on the final hole to enter the weekend at 1-over, but he bounced back in Saturday’s third round with a bogey-free 67 among early starters.
Scottie Scheffler cards an unblemished third round and moves to 4 under
Scheffler recorded five birdies and fell back to under par for the tournament, with the four-time major champion proud of the resistance after seeing an improved performance.
“Today we were a little sharper than the first two days,” Scheffler insisted. “During the tournament, I felt like my swing was getting better every day. Today I hit a few fairways and was able to get a few more birdies.”
“Given the way I hit the first few days, I think I was able to have the attitude and fight that I did…When I look at tournaments, I’m not thinking about winning, I’m thinking about going about things the right way.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Scottie Scheffler had a sharp response when asked by a reporter before the tournament how he deals with expectations.
“I tried my best to stay committed and did a good job. I tried to stay in the right position and keep my head straight for a few difficult rounds. And I shot another great round today.”
“Overall, I think my attitude and approach to shots is in good shape. So it’s been a good week for me.”
Scheffler was aiming for his second PGA Tour win of the season.
Scheffler’s tee-to-green performance improved, his scrambling was perfect, and the two-time champion also became more accurate with his driver as he returned to under par heading into the tournament.
Regarding his progress on the practice field early in the tournament, Scheffler added: “Have I found anything? I think that would imply that I’m lost, but that’s not the case.
“I think I’m always just trying to get a feel for how things are. Sometimes a little bit of practice helps, sometimes a little bit of rest helps.”
McIlroy continues to struggle but is “all out on the green”
Rory McIlroy was unable to find any momentum in the third round of his title defense and was unable to match Scheffler’s leaderboard record, finishing just 1 over par for the tournament at a level of 72.
Rory McIlroy fails to win at The Players
McIlroy ranked last among players who qualified in strokes gained putts, and the world No. 22 needed 33 putts and only hit a 61-foot putt in a disappointing third round.
“He’s been giving it his all on the greens this week,” former Ryder Cup player David Howell said on commentary for Sky Sports.
The Masters champion missed the fairway with his tee shot just four times, but failed to find the green in regulation just one of the four times, and mixed in three birdies and an equal number of bogeys in a lackluster performance.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Check out Rory McIlroy’s best shots from winning the 2025 Players Championship as he defends his title this week at TPC Sawgrass.
McIlroy finished his round before teeing off for the final group and is expected to get another early start on Sunday in what could be his final round on the PGA Tour as he prepares to defend his title at next month’s Masters.
After being confirmed, he believed that if he could win by the end of the week, he would not need to add any additional tournaments to his schedule ahead of this year’s opening major, where he aims to become the first player since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back titles at Augusta National.
Who will win The Players? Watch the final round live on Sky Sports Golf from 1pm on Sunday. Includes featured groups, featured holes and bonus broadcasts on Sky Sports+. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
