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US Open Golf: Tiebreaker Rules Revealed
22 Jun
Summary
- A two-hole aggregate playoff decides ties at the US Open.
- Sudden death format used if scores remain level after two holes.
- The 2026 US Open playoff will utilize holes 17 and 18 at Shinnecock Hills.
In the event of a tie after 72 holes at the 2026 US Open, a two-hole aggregate playoff will be conducted. This format will determine the champion at Shinnecock Hills, using holes 17 and 18. If the golfers remain tied after these two holes, the competition will proceed to a sudden-death playoff. This newer rule, implemented in 2018, replaces the previous 18-hole playoff format that was in use until 2008.
The 18-hole playoff was notably seen in 2008 when Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate in a grueling 19-hole playoff. Before the current two-hole aggregate system, the US Open historically featured an 18-hole playoff. Interestingly, between 1928 and 1931, a 36-hole playoff format was briefly employed. The Masters uses sudden death, the PGA Championship a three-hole aggregate, and The Open Championship a four-hole aggregate, highlighting the unique nature of the US Open's current playoff structure.
