Earlier today Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland squared off in a sudden death playoff to see who is the Travelers Champion. With Hovland and Scheffler both looking at makable birdie putts there was air that this could go some distance. Unfortunately, Hovland drained his and Scottie two putted, how dare he? I love a playoff and was hoping it would go on forever. It didn’t so I decided to search the greatest playoffs in the history of golf. Here they are:

1. 1913 U.S. Open (The Country Club, Brookline) Francis Ouimet def. Harry Vardon and Ted Ray

If you love golf movies or golf history you know this story. Widely considered the greatest match ever played. The 20 year old amateur Francis Ouimet took down Two British legends who had both won the U.S. Open in the past. After 72 holes the three were even ,and at the time the Playoff was a full 18 the next day. Through rainy conditions, the heavy underdog and his 10 year-old caddy finished one under with a firm 5 stroke lead. The match was an amazing story that catapulted golfs popularity in America. Amateurs everywhere owe Ouimet a debt of Gratitude.

2. 2000 PGA Championship (Valhalla) Tiger Woods def. Bob May

A thrilling duel between a superstar in his prime and a journeyman. Woods and May were tied after 72 holes. Woods birdied the 17th and 18th in regulation to force a three-hole playoff (the first in PGA Championship history). Woods won the playoff by one stroke with clutch birdies. It’s praised for shot-making quality and intensity during Tiger’s dominant era.

3. 2008 U.S. Open (Torrey Pines)  Tiger Woods def. Rocco Mediate

Woods played on a torn ACL and stress fractures, forcing an 18-hole playoff with a dramatic birdie on the 72nd hole, then winning on the first sudden-death hole. It epitomizes resilience and is often called one of the most compelling major finishes ever, blending physical drama with elite competition.

4. 1987 Masters  Larry Mize def. Greg Norman (and Seve Ballesteros)

A sudden-death playoff featuring three stars. After Seve bowed out on the first extra hole, Mize chipped in from 140 feet on the second playoff hole (No. 11) for birdie to beat Norman. The “impossible” chip-in created instant Masters lore.

5. 1950 U.S. Open (Merion) Ben Hogan def. Lloyd Mangrum and George Fazio

Hogan’s comeback story after a near-fatal 1949 car accident makes this legendary. He won an 18-hole playoff (69 to Mangrum’s 73 and Fazio’s 75) just 16 months later. A penalty on Mangrum added drama, but the narrative of Hogan’s resilience elevates it.

Final Thoughts:

Now there’s a lot we missed that maybe could of made it. But we chose these five based on the history, who was involved and what the event was. Obviously majors take precedent. We would love to hear what your favorite playoffs are, sound off in the insta comments