Scottie Scheffler’s flourishing finish makes Players Championship history
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Scottie Scheffler overturned a five-shot deficit to become the first player to successfully defend the Players Championship in the tournament’s 50-year history. “I hit a lot of good shots today, did a lot of good things this week and it’s nice to come out on top.” Asked how he had coped with the neck injury he suffered during Friday’s second round, Scheffler added: “I’m a pretty competitive guy and didn’t want to give up in the tournament. “I did what I could to hang around until my neck got better and then today it felt really good.” Scheffler, who also won the Arnold Palmer Invitational by five shots last week, kickstarted his challenge by holing out from 92 yards for an eagle on the fourth and also birdied the fifth, eighth and ninth to race to the turn in 31. “Maybe next week sometime I’ll really be able to look at those positives and feel good about it, but right now I’m pretty down.” England’s Matt Fitzpatrick birdied the last four holes to finish fifth on 16 under after a closing 69, while Rory McIlroy had to settle for a share of 19th following a final round of 72.