THE PLAYERS Championship, known as the “fifth major” of golf, not only stands out for its prestige, its million-dollar prize fund, and the iconic TPC Sawgrass course, but also for its exciting playoff format in case of a tie after the 72 regulation holes. This system, designed to maximise excitement and test the skills of the contenders on the most iconic holes of the course, ensures that the champion is crowned in a climax worthy of its status as the flagship event of the PGA Tour. Next, we explore how this formula works and why it is one of the most admired in professional golf.
A Three-Hole Format
Since 2014, THE PLAYERS Championship has adopted a playoff format based on a three-hole aggregate score, an evolution from the old sudden-death system that characterised the tournament in its early decades. If two or more players finish tied at the end of the final round, they all return to the course to compete on holes 16, 17, and 18 of TPC Sawgrass, a final trio that combines strategic challenge, precision, and pressure.
- Hole 16 (par 5): This par 5 offers a birdie opportunity for the more aggressive players who can reach the green in two shots. However, the water on the right, the oaks, and the bunkers near the sloping green make it a challenge that demands impeccable execution.
- Hole 17 (par 3): The famous “Island Green,” with its green surrounded by water, is one of the most recognisable holes in world golf. Here, precision from the tee and the ability to handle nerves under pressure are crucial, especially in a playoff where a mistake can be fatal.
- Hole 18 (par 4): The closing of the Stadium Course is a demanding par 4 with a lake on the left and a narrow fairway that punishes erratic shots. A good drive and a precise approach to the green are essential to keep victory hopes alive.
The player with the lowest cumulative score on these three holes is declared the winner. This format not only tests a variety of skills—from power on the 16 to precision on the 17 and consistency on the 18—but also guarantees an exciting spectacle for the fans, who can witness how the battle unfolds on the most memorable holes of the course.
Sudden Death if the Tie Persists
If after the three aggregate holes there is still a tie, the playoff moves to a sudden-death format. The players return to hole 17, the iconic par 3, to start this phase. If there is no winner, they continue to hole 18, and then to 16, repeating this rotation (17-18-16-17-18) until one player surpasses the others on a single hole. This system ensures that the tension remains at its peak and that the outcome is swift and definitive, although always with the potential to become an epic battle extending under the sunset lights in Ponte Vedra Beach.
History of Playoffs in THE PLAYERS
Although playoffs are not frequent in THE PLAYERS Championship—there have only been five in its more than 50 editions—each has left an indelible mark. Before 2014, the tournament used a sudden-death format, with memorable victories such as Raymond Floyd in 1981 (at Sawgrass Country Club) and Sergio García in 2008 on hole 17. However, since the implementation of the current format, the only recorded playoff occurred in 2015, when Rickie Fowler overcame Kevin Kisner and Sergio García. Fowler and Kisner tied after the three aggregate holes, but Fowler sealed the victory with a birdie on the 17 during sudden death, achieving the first playoff triumph under this system and one of the most iconic moments of his career.
Why Is This Format Special?
THE PLAYERS’ playoff format is distinguished by its balance between fairness and drama. Unlike the immediate sudden death of other events, such as The Masters, or the four-hole formats of the Open Championship, the three-hole aggregate playoff allows players to showcase consistency and versatility before resorting to the intensity of sudden death. Moreover, by involving holes 16, 17, and 18—considered the “most exciting finish in golf”—the PGA Tour ensures that the outcome occurs in a setting that fans know and love, enhancing the experience both on the course and on screens.
*This article was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence
