The Players Championship moves to a three-hole playoff

It’s been known for years as the unofficial fifth major of the year, and the Players Championship made a move on Wednesday that will make it seem even more like a major starting this season.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem announced that the Players would move to a three-hole playoff format starting this year, meaning if the Players Championship is tied after 72 holes, it won’t just be sudden death like every other non-major PGA Tour event.

The holes will be 16-18, meaning the three most famous holes at TPC Sawgrass will be on display in a playoff if it comes down to that, and it makes a lot of sense if you think about it.

In previous years we’ve seen players go directly to the par-3 17th if there was a playoff, which is obviously one of the most iconic holes in golf but not necessarily the most fair to play once with this huge title on the line. Now, with a par-5 before and a par-4 after, it will allow players a loose swing without it dooming their chances at the huge Players purse.

The Players joins the PGA Championship with their three-hole playoff idea. The British Open plays a four-hole playoff, the U.S. Open goes 18 holes on Monday if the tournament is tied and the Masters remains the only major that plays their extra holes in a sudden death format.

Devil Ball Golf – Golf – Yahoo Sports