U.S. Open playoff rules: What happens if there is a tie
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PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 15: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits a putt on the 18th green during the third round of the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 15, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Written by Staff
The U.S. Open will be decided by a two-hole aggregate playoff if multiple players are tied for the lead after 72 holes.
The switch was made last year. The U.S. Open was the last championship to switch to a shorter playoff format. The tournament used to be decided by an 18-hole affair on Monday. The two-hole format allows the championship to be decided Sunday.
“When we looked at it, studied a lot of data, there is no right or wrong way to determine a tie in stroke play," Mike Davis, the USGA’s chief executive, said last year. "Two holes will allow a player to recover from any single mistake, and at the same time, provide a memorable, and perhaps dramatic, experience for all involved.”
The new format hasn’t been used yet.
There hasn’t been a playoff at the U.S. Open since Tiger Woods’ memorable 2008 victory over Rocco Mediate. Their playoff went to a 19th hole after they tied the playoff, as well.
The playoff will become sudden-death if there is a tie after the two extra holes. Pebble Beach’s par-3 17th and par-5 18th will be used in the playoff.
