Scottie Scheffler fired a final-round, 8-under 64 to become the first player in the 50-year history of The Players Championship to win at TPC Sawgrass in consecutive years.
Scheffler finished the week 20-under 268 to claim his second straight Players victory in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
“It’s pretty special,” said Scheffler, the first golfer to win The Players twice since Tiger Woods (2001, 2013). “That’s something you never really get the opportunity to do very often. It’s tough enough to win one Players, so to have it back-to-back is extremely special.”
The World No. 1, who fought through neck pain earlier in the tournament, started the day five shots off the pace of 54-hole leader Xander Schauffele.
After racking up an eagle and six birdies to get to 20 under, he watched as Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark and Schauffele were unable to pull out one more birdie to force a playoff.
Clark’s bid to tie, on nearly the exact putt Harman missed moments before, traced the left rim of the cup around the back and out.
Harman (68 on Sunday), Clark (69) and Schauffele (70) tied for second at 19 under. Matt Fitzpatrick (69) finished fifth at 16 under.
Scheffler was in the mix to start the week after opening with a 5-under 67. His neck troubles came Friday, when he felt a pinch during a swing and needed mid-round treatment.
“I played really good golf on Thursday,” Scheffler said. “I made an early birdie, I think I was 2 under through four on Friday so I was right in the thick of the tournament.
“All of a sudden I get that pinch in my neck, and I gutted it out around there, getting it around in a few under par, keeping myself in the tournament. Same thing Saturday. I said before when you get an acute injury like that, if you can wake up the next day feeling a little bit better or the exact same, it’s a win.”
Scheffler also won on tour for the second straight week, having captured his second career Arnold Palmer Invitational title last week in Orlando. He has six top-10 finishes in seven starts this season.
“I think mentally it can be very taxing,” Scheffler said. “Physically it’s fairly taxing, as well, but mentally it’s a lot of fun being in the final groups, but it also takes a toll on your body and your mind.
“So, yeah, there’s definitely a big mental aspect to that. But that’s the most fun. It’s the most fun you can have on a golf course, I think, is being in contention.”
Scheffler kick-started his low round by holing out for an eagle 2 at the fourth. His wedge shot into the green bounced three times, picked up some side spin and dropped in the hole.
After an 18-footer and a 16-footer for birdies, he made four more birdies from Nos. 8-12 to catapult up the board while Schauffele and company tried to keep pace.
Clark, looking for another big trophy to add to his growing collection (the US Open, the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and more), birdied holes 16 and 17 to get close. He stuck his tee shot at the famed 17th to 4 1/2 feet but his birdie effort from 17 feet out at the 18th refused to go in.
“I don’t know how that putt doesn’t go in,” Clark said. “It was kind of right center with like a foot to go, and I knew it was going to keep breaking, but it had speed and I thought it was going to (go in) inside left, and even when it kind of lipped, I thought it would lip in. I’m pretty gutted it didn’t go in.”
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
