Scottie Scheffler fought through a neck injury and a record five-shot deficit in the final round to secure victory at the Players Championship. The world number one, who received treatment for his neck during round two, delivered a remarkable eight-under 64 to clinch the coveted title in the 50th edition of the PGA Tour’s flagship tournament. Scheffler’s triumphant performance saw him become the first man ever to successfully defend the Players Championship title. His total score of 20 under par proved just enough to claim victory by a single shot over a trio of fellow Americans: Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark, and Xander Schauffele. Despite leading for much of the final round, Schauffele’s hopes were dashed as his 60-foot putt narrowly missed its mark, resulting in a final round of 70. Meanwhile, US Open champion Clark faced a similar fate, with his 17-foot putt agonizingly horseshoeing around the hole, leaving him to settle for a 69.