The Players: Rory McIlroy makes sluggish start to title defence as Ryder Cup teammate Sepp Straka shares early lead at TPC Sawgrass

12 March 2026, 17:02 | Updated: 13 March 2026, 01:07

Sepp Straka and Sahith Theegala are part of a five-way tie for the early lead at The Players, as Rory McIlroy made a sluggish start to his title defence at TPC Sawgrass.

Maverick McNealy set the initial clubhouse target after an opening-round 67 at the PGA Tour's flagship event, where play was halted for 20 minutes mid-round due to dangerous weather.

Straka posted five birdies in his bogey-free start and Lee Hodges made four birdies in a six-hole stretch to also get to five under, with Theegala making it a four-way tie for the clubhouse lead having made a three-birdie start to his round.

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