Scheffler hails 'special' defence of The Players Championship title

Scottie Scheffler believes he has achieved something special after becoming the first player to defend The Players Championship.

Scheffler shot a superb 64 in the fourth round to put himself in pole position only to be made to sweat by remarkable efforts from the chasing pack on a dramatic day in Florida.

Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele all finished within one shot of the American, with Clark appearing to have forced a play-off before his putt bounced out on the final green.

But it was Scheffler who stole the show and retained the title.

He said: "I don't know how to put it into words. It came down to the wire.

"Mostly, I'm thankful. It has been a fun ride for the last couple of years. It has been a lot of work.

"My whole family is here and it's been a really special week. We're going to celebrate tonight."

Scheffler's defence is even more impressive considering no reigning champion has ever finished higher than fifth at this event.

And his ongoing battle with a neck injury adds further credit to his efforts.

He told NBC: "This is something you don't get the opportunity to do often, it's tough enough to win one.

"I'm a competitive guy. I did what I could until my neck got better."

Harman, one of the trio to tie for second, admitted he had lost out to the elite opposition.

He said: "He [Scheffler] is the best player in the world.

"This is a championship golf course so the best player this week has won.

"That's what you want in a tournament. We all had chances and he performed."

Rory McIlroy appeared to be in contention himself after shooting 65 in his opening round.

The 34-year-old could not back that up, posting 72 today, but is encouraged by his game.

He said: "I'm headed in the right direction.

"I've straightened out the iron shots, which was a key for me this week.

"I made enough birdies — it's a matter of getting rid of the bad stuff."