He then rifled a long-iron down the middle of the fairway on the par-4 12th, his last swing before the stoppage. McIlroy, of course, is eyeing his second Players Championship title in six years. He last conquered TPC Sawgrass in 2019,

The PGA Tour’s top stars are all at TPC Sawgrass this week for The Players Championship. After a windy Saturday, JJ Spaun held a one-shot lead but Sunday has belonged to Rory McIlroy so far. But The Players is in a weather delay with McIlroy holding the solo lead.

McIlroy began the final round four shots off the lead but a brilliant start helped take the world number two to the top of the leaderboard.