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.

Justin Thomas wants one of his friends to win The PLAYERS Championship almost as much as he wanted to do it himself.

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.