Rory McIlroy had every reason to think he would be leaving The Players Championship with the gold trophy and a big payoff Sunday. He was three shots ahead of J.J. Spaun after a four-hour rain delay and had a rain-softened course ahead of him. Spaun refused to give in easily.

J.J. Spaun and Rory McIlroy both played their way into a Monday playoff at The Players. That was good for one, not as much for the other.

Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun wound up tied after a four-hour rain delay Sunday at the Players Championship and have to return Monday for a playoff to decide who wins the richest tournament in golf.