J.J. Spaun says what he really thinks of Rory McIlroy after playing a round with him at The Players Championship

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While J.J. Spaun will be trying to stay in his own lane during the final round of the Players Championship rather than think about any of the chasing pack, he will know that things will hit a little differently if it is Rory McIlroy who gets off to a fast start on Sunday at TPC Sawgrass.

It is J.J. Spaun who takes a one-shot lead into the final round of the Players Championship. Spaun managed to post a third round of 70 as many of the overnight leaders fell away in the tougher conditions.

Spaun’s performance was perhaps all the more impressive because the 34-year-old was playing alongside Rory McIlroy during the third round at TPC Sawgrass. The Northern Irishman is looking for his second victory of the season this week, having already won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

It was a mixed day for McIlroy, who struggled on the greens. But his 73 certainly keeps him in contention to win The Players for the second time in his career.

J.J. Spaun reacts to playing alongside Rory McIlroy at the Players Championship

Tackling Sawgrass is difficult enough at the best of times. But it becomes even more challenging when you factor in the high winds and the prospect of playing alongside the four-time major champion.

Nevertheless, Spaun explained why he does not find teeing it up alongside the 35-year-old particularly daunting.

“Yeah, I played with him maybe once. Maybe twice. I played with him at the PGA on Saturday, Bellerive. I know that part. I know that memory,” he said, when asked about playing with McIlroy previously.

“I think more of the attention’s on him when I’m paired with him. It’s easy to get intimidated and know he’s a really good player, but everyone is putting their money on him, not me. Like, I’m out there just free-wheeling it, and that kind of made me feel comfortable today. But he’s a great guy. He’s cool to play with. He’s a great player, and it’s always fun to watch one of the best in the game’s history to play.”

The dilemma facing Rory McIlroy ahead of Sunday at TPC Sawgrass

Given the forecast for Sunday, it is difficult to know just how many players are genuine contenders to win over the final round. Corey Conners and Danny Walker took advantage of their early tee times on Saturday to fly 44 and 57 places up the leaderboard respectively.

It is likely to be a day to remain patient and limit mistakes. The likes of Spaun and McIlroy are in tricky positions as they face more of a dilemma over whether to stick or twist.

McIlroy has broken 70 on Sunday at the Players Championship on two occasions during his career. If he can make it three this weekend, then he surely stands an amazing chance of winning the event for a second time.