McIlroy beats Spaun in play-off to win Players

McIlroy won his previous Players title on 17 March - St Patricks Day

Rory McIlroy claimed his second Players Championship title with a comfortable victory over JJ Spaun in a three-hole play-off at Sawgrass.

It is the Northern Irishmans second PGA Tour win of the season and comes in the most prestigious event outside of the annual four majors.

"I am unbelievably proud and happy to win my second Players," said the world number two.

"Its the third time Ive won on St Patricks Day. Its been a good-luck charm for me."

McIlroy dominated the play-off from the opening tee shot on the par-three 16th, booming his drive down the centre of the fairway, while Spaun could only find the rough.

The American world number 57 chopped his second into a greenside bunker and took three from there to register a par, while McIlroy, who hit his second into the centre of the green, two-putted for a birdie.

McIlroy then found the green with his tee shot on the iconic par-three 17th island hole, but Spaun dunked his ball in the water to effectively end his hopes.

He took a triple-bogey six and although McIlroy three-putted to drop a shot, his lead was three going down the last.

Both players scrambled their way down the 18th but McIlroys advantage was so great that he could tap in for a bogey and Spaun picked up his ball without finishing the hole.

"I feel really bad for JJ," added McIlroy. "He hit a great shot on the 17th but it just went straight through the wind."