J.J. Spaun's first words after devastating playoff loss to Rory McIlroy

J.J. Spaun insisted he had no regrets after he lost to Rory McIlroy in a dramatic playoff at the 2025 Players Championship.

The 34-year-old American returned to famed TPC Sawgrass on Monday to face the Northern Irishman in an aggregate three-hole playoff. 

McIlroy struck first with a birdie at the par-5 16th but Spaun then unravelled at the iconic par-3 17th.

His golf ball sailed over the green into the water which prompted a confused Spaun to look directly in his caddie's direction. 

It led to a devastating triple bogey and all but ensured McIlroy would land his 28th PGA Tour title. 

"I was committed to the club, committed to the shot shape that I was trying to hit," Spaun told reporters in the immediate aftermath of defeat.

"We were getting numbers on the range with the TrackMan and literally the same wind direction it was flying like 128 yards.

"It was a perfect club. I hit it, I guess, just too good. Kind of went right through the wind." 

He added: "I almost was telling it in my head to get up because it looked like it was kind of floating. I didn't know where it was. 

"I thought it was maybe in the front bunker and Gary told me it was in the water.

"I hit a great shot. I did what I needed to do. It just didn't work out in my favour."

Spaun came into the week ranked 57th in the world. 

His sole PGA Tour title came three years ago at the Valero Texas Open. 

Spaun said it was hard not be a little bit discouraged, but he believes he will learn a lot from the experience.

"If someone told me that would happen to start the week, I would totally take it," he said. 

"Nothing but positives to take from it, and hopefully I can just learn from this and get it done next time."

Meanwhile, McIlroy expressed sympathy for Spaun.

"I feel really bad for JJ," McIlroy said.  

"He hit a great shot on the 17th but it just went straight through the wind. I was lucky to do enough to get it done."