The Players Championship: Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler in contention as three share early lead at TPC Sawgrass

13 March 2025, 16:02 | Updated: 14 March 2025, 08:17

Rory McIlroy overcame an erratic display off the tee to get within a shot of the lead at The Players, as Scottie Scheffler made a strong start to his title defence.

McIlroy found just four fairways during an eventful opening round at TPC Sawgrass, where he mixed seven birdies with two bogeys to post a five-under 67 and stay in touch with the early leaders.

Former major champion Lucas Glover set the clubhouse target with an opening-round 66, later matched by JJ Spaun after a bogey-free round, with Camilo Villegas making a three-way tie after carding five birdies in a seven-hole stretch to also get to six under.

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