J.J. Spaun Leads Heading into Final Round at THE PLAYERS Championship
Seoul, Korea – J.J. Spaun will take a one-shot lead into Sunday’s final round at THE PLAYERS Championship, as he aims to claim his second PGA TOUR title.
Spaun (-12), who has been in contention multiple times this season, carded an even-par 70 in challenging windy conditions at TPC Sawgrass, keeping him one stroke ahead of Bud Cauley (-11).
Spaun in Command Despite Tough Conditions
This marks Spaun’s fifth career 54-hole lead and his second of the 2025 season. The World No. 57 is looking to become the lowest-ranked player to win THE PLAYERS since Si Woo Kim (No. 75 in 2017).
“It was tough out there today,” said Spaun. “The wind was really picking up in the afternoon, but I stayed patient and managed my game well. I’m excited for tomorrow.”
The 2022 Valero Texas Open champion has posted two top-three finishes this season, including a T2 at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.
Cauley’s Comeback Story
Bud Cauley (-11) shot a 66, the lowest round of the day, putting him in contention for his first career PGA TOUR victory.
Cauley, who entered the week as a first alternate, was added to the field on Monday after Lee Hodges withdrew with a rib injury.
The World No. 251 is looking to become the lowest-ranked player ever to win THE PLAYERS, surpassing Craig Perks (No. 203 in 2002).
“To be in this position is incredible,” said Cauley, who is playing on a Major Medical Extension after missing nearly three full seasons due to injury. “I’ve worked so hard to get back, and I just want to go out there and enjoy it.”
Glover and Smalley in the Hunt
Lucas Glover (-9, T3) is chasing history as he looks to become the second-oldest winner of THE PLAYERS at 45 years old.
Meanwhile, Alex Smalley (-9, T3) is aiming to capture his first career PGA TOUR title, hoping to join Craig Perks (2002) and Tim Clark (2010) as first-time winners at TPC Sawgrass.
McIlroy Still in Contention
Rory McIlroy (-8, T5) is four shots behind Spaun, but the 2019 champion has experience making comebacks.
The four-time major winner has previously won twice on TOUR when trailing by four or more strokes entering the final round.
“I just need to get off to a hot start,” McIlroy said. “Anything can happen on a course like this.”
Final Round Schedule Adjusted for Weather
With inclement weather expected on Sunday afternoon, final-round tee times have been moved up, with groups teeing off in threesomes from 8:00-10:01 a.m. ET off Nos. 1 and 10.
With Spaun leading, Cauley chasing a fairytale win, and a packed leaderboard featuring top contenders, the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship promises a dramatic finish at TPC Sawgrass.