The U.S. Open uses a two-hole total playoff to determine the champion.
In this format, if two or more players are tied after the prescribed 72 holes, they compete for two additional holes and the player with the lowest total score wins. If the players are still tied, sudden death is used.
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This year, Shannecock Hills Golf Club will host two holes: the 183-yard, par-3 17th hole and the 490-yard, par-4 18th hole. If sudden death is desired, players play No. 17 and No. 18 in a loop until a winner is determined.
The USGA introduced a two-hole system in 2018, replacing the long-standing 18-hole playoff. Since this change, no additional sessions of the U.S. Open have been held.
The most recent of the 33 U.S. Open playoffs was in 2008 at Torrey Pines, when Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate in 91 holes, which required 18 additional holes and sudden death.
Regarding other men’s major playoff formats, Masters uses sudden death, PGA Championship 3 hole tally and 4 Open hole collection.
