The PGA Tour's marquee event needed an extra day to finish, but Rory McIlroy claimed his 28th Tour win in a playoff over J.J. Spaun.

McIlroy seized control early with a big drive that set up an easy birdie on the par-5 16th hole, and he effectively ended the three-hole playoff on the notorious par-3 17th by hitting the green. Spaun's tee shot sailed over the island and into the water, leading to triple bogey.

A three-hole play-off and the inspirational figure of American journeyman J.J. Spaun stand between Rory McIlroy and his second Players Championship. The pair will return to the Stadium Course for a Monday morning shoot-out after a thrilling conclusion to a marathon day.