U.S. Open playoff format explained for men's golf tournament

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 7:18 PM

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

U.S. Open playoff format explained for men's golf tournament
Summary

The U.S. Open employs a two-hole aggregate playoff system for tied players after 72 holes. For 2026, the playoff will occur at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, utilizing the 17th and 18th holes. If players remain tied after these two holes, sudden death will be used. The USGA adopted this playoff format in 2018, moving away from the traditional 18-hole playoff, with the last playoff occurring in 2008. The Masters and PGA Championship have different playoff formats, utilizing sudden death and three-hole aggregations, respectively.

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By the Numbers
  • The playoff format includes two holes: par-3 17th and par-4 18th.
  • If still tied after two holes, players enter sudden death.
  • The USGA changed the playoff format in 2018 from an 18-hole format.
  • The last U.S. Open playoff was in 2008, featuring Tiger Woods.
Latest Updates
  • 7:18 PMYahoo SportsWhat is the U.S. Open playoff format in men's golf?
What they're saying
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This is what will happen if there is a playoff at the U.S. Open.

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