USGA announce US Open Monday play-off to be scrapped from 2018
By Ali Stafford
Last Updated: 27/02/18 10:40am
The USGA has announced it is scrapping the 18-hole Monday play-off at the US Open with immediate effect, as part of significant changes to play-off formats across their majors.
The US Open is the final men's major to use the 18-hole play-off and was last used in 2008, when Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate on the first sudden-death hole at Torrey Pines.
A new two-hole aggregate play-off will be introduced for leaders tied after 72 holes, before reverting to sudden-death until a winner is crowned.
The 2018 contest at Shinnecock Hills will be the first US Open to use the new system, with the US Senior Open, US Women's Open and US Senior Women's Open also set to follow the same play-off structure.
USGA CEO/Executive Director Mike Davis said: "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.
"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.
"There is no right or wrong way to determine a winner in stroke play, but we've seen over the years how the aggregate playoff has served us well in both the U.S. Women's Open and U.S. Senior Open.
"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."
Memorable Monday play-offs include Ernie Els' victory at Oakmont in 1994 and Curtis Strange's win over Nick Faldo in 1988, with 33 US Opens in history requiring a play-off of 18 holes or more.
The Masters goes straight to a sudden-death contest if scores are tied after 72 holes, with The Open using a four-hole aggregate play-off and any PGA Championship play-off held over three holes.
