Jon Rahm Wins Players Championship by One Shot After Dramatic Final-Round 66 at TPC Sawgrass

Jon Rahm captured his second Players Championship title today in dramatic fashion, firing a final-round 66 to overcome a three-shot deficit and defeat Scottie Scheffler by one stroke at TPC Sawgrass. The 31-year-old Spanish star delivered clutch golf when it mattered most, including a crucial birdie at the iconic par-3 17th hole that ultimately proved to be the difference in claiming his first PGA Tour victory since returning from LIV Golf earlier this season.

Rahm began the final round three shots behind overnight leader Scheffler but quickly made his intentions known with birdies on the second and fourth holes to cut into the deficit. The former world number one continued his aggressive approach throughout the front nine, reaching the turn in 4-under-par 32 to pull within one shot of the lead. His putting was particularly impressive during the opening stretch, as he converted several makeable birdie opportunities while avoiding the big numbers that have derailed many contenders at this challenging venue.

The turning point came at the famous island green 17th hole, where Rahm hit a perfect 8-iron to within six feet of the pin before rolling in the birdie putt that gave him the outright lead for the first time all day. The Spanish star pumped his fist emphatically after the ball dropped, knowing that his bold approach to the treacherous par-3 had likely secured victory. "I knew I needed to be aggressive there," Rahm said after the round. "The pin was in a good position, and I felt confident with the yardage. When you're trying to win The Players, you have to take calculated risks."

Scheffler, who had led or shared the lead for the entire tournament before Rahm's late charge, struggled with his putting during the crucial final holes despite hitting quality approach shots. The defending Masters champion missed birdie putts from inside 10 feet on both the 16th and 17th holes that would have maintained his advantage, ultimately settling for a final-round 70 that left him one shot short of his second Players Championship title. "Jon played incredible golf today," Scheffler graciously acknowledged. "He made the putts when he needed them, and that's what champions do."

The victory marks Rahm's triumphant return to PGA Tour prominence after his controversial departure to LIV Golf in 2023 and subsequent return to traditional professional golf following the framework agreement between the tours. The former Arizona State star's emotional celebration with his family on the 18th green highlighted the significance of winning golf's unofficial fifth major after a period of uncertainty about his competitive future. His closing 66 tied the lowest final round by a Players Championship winner since Tiger Woods in 2013.

Rahm's triumph at TPC Sawgrass also moves him back into contention for major championships this season, with his game appearing to be in peak form heading into the Masters in April. The $4.5 million winner's check represents the largest payday of his career and validates his decision to return to full-time PGA Tour competition. "This tournament means everything to me," Rahm reflected during the trophy presentation. "To win here again, in front of these incredible fans, with my family watching - it doesn't get much better than this." The Spaniard becomes just the seventh player to win multiple Players Championships, joining an elite group that includes Tiger Woods, Hal Sutton, and Fred Couples in achieving this prestigious accomplishment.