USGA Introduces New Two-Hole Aggregate Playoff Format For U.S. Open
- Updated: February 26, 2018
The USGA is finally rolling something back, however, it’s not the ball. Instead, it’s the playoff format across all of their championships.
In the past, being tied after 72 holes at the men’s U.S. Open would result in a full 18-hole stroke-play match the following day. The U.S. Women’s and Senior Opens previously used a three-hole aggregate playoff to determine its champion.
Beginning this year, it will be reduced to a two-hole aggregate playoff in the event of a tie. If the players are still tied, they’ll continue in a sudden-death format.
“We know how important it is to everyone in the golf world to see play conclude on the Sunday of a major championship, and to award the trophy to the champion,” said USGA CEO/Executive Director Mike Davis. “After receiving input from a variety of constituents, including players, fans, volunteers, officials and our broadcast partners, it clearly came across as something that everyone valued, and would benefit from.”
In case for some reason you forgot, there hasn’t been an 18-hole playoff in the U.S. Open since Tiger Woods took down Rocco Mediate in an epic duel at Torrey Pines back in 2008 to claim his 14th major.
So we’re all on the same page, here are the major championship playoff formats beginning in 2018:
- Masters: 1-hole sudden death
- U.S. Open: 2-hole aggregate (then SD if necessary)
- PGA Championship: 3-hole aggregate (then SD if necessary)
- Open Championship: 4-hole aggregate (then SD if necessary)
“The ball goes too far … maybe we should roll it back?”
USGA: No. According to our data, that’s not true
“There hasn’t been a U.S. Open playoff since 2008”
USGA: 18 holes is too long, let’s roll it back to 2
“Why not a 3-hole aggregate?”
USGA: Bc that makes too much sense
— Two Inches Short (@TwoInchesShort) February 26, 2018
[USGA]
