PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The Players Championship turned into a race against time on Sunday when thunderstorms halted play right after Rory McIlroy surged into a one-shot lead on the back nine. The PGA Tour stopped play at 1:15 p.m. The final group had not completed the 11th hole, meaning a little more than two hours would be required to finish.

Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun wound up tied after a four-hour rain delay Sunday at the Players Championship and have to return Monday for a playoff to decide who wins the richest tournament in golf.

Bud Cauley was 5 years old when he attended his first Players Championship and as a professional he’s played the PGA Tour’s flagship event four times not to mention countless recreational rounds as a north Florida resident.