The Masters Tournament, one of golf's most prestigious events, has a long history of dramatic finishes. In the event of a tie after 72 holes, the tournament employs a sudden-death playoff format to determine the champion.
Under the current rules, the playoff begins immediately after the final round. Players compete on a designated hole, typically the 18th, and continue until one player scores lower than the others. If all players tie on the first hole, they move to the next, usually the 10th, and so on.
This format has produced memorable moments, such as the 2019 playoff between Tiger Woods and Francesco Molinari, though Woods ultimately won by one stroke in regulation. The sudden-death system ensures a clear winner without extending play excessively.
For 2026, no major changes to the tie rules have been announced. The Masters continues to use the same sudden-death playoff procedure that has been in place for decades, maintaining tradition while providing excitement for fans.
