What is the US Open golf playoff format and how is it used to decide the winner? all you need to know

The US Open has witnessed 33 playoffs in 124 versions of the national championship, but none in the last decade and a half. It was almost 17 years ago, in 2008, that golf fans saw the famous Monday playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate. That playoff was not decided even after the 18-hole playoff. It was in the year 2018 when the U.S. Golf Association revamped its playoff format for the U.S. Open. However, the format remains untested.

U.S. Open playoff format

The U.S. Open playoff format is a two-hole aggregate playoff. It means that the players tied after 72 holes will play two holes, and the player with the best score thereafter will be declared the winner. In the two-hole aggregate playoff, they will play the short par-4 17th and par-4 18th holes, and the low score for the two holes will take home the victory.


However, if Holes No. 17 and 18 are played and golfers remain tied, then the players will then resume in a sudden-death format. They would begin at the 15th hole, then 16, 17, and 18, respectively. This will continue until a winner is ultimately determined.

When did the last US Open playoff at Oakmont take place?

According to Golf Week, the last time the US Open playoff at Oakmont took place was in 1994, when Ernie Els required one to win his first of two U.S. Opens. Jack Nicklaus also secured the U.S. Open in a playoff in 1962. Tommy Armour did the same in 1927. 2025 marks the 10th U.S. Open at Oakmont. It is the most at any course.