Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Sudden-Death Play-off decides a tied competition by continuing one hole at a time until a player or side wins. In match play it extends the existing match rather than comparing aggregate strokes. The competition terms determine whether this method applies and where play starts.
How it matters in match play
If a Match Play contest is tied after its final scheduled hole, Rule 3.2a(4) provides for an Extra Hole at a time until there is a winner, unless the Terms of the Competition say the match ends tied or set another method. The holes normally follow their round order, and handicap strokes continue using the same allocation unless the Committee specifies otherwise. An extended match remains part of the same round under Rule 5.1.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Sudden-Death Play-off |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a(4) and Rule 5.1 |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Extra Hole, Extended Match, Tiebreaker, Match Result |
Worked example
After 18 holes Alex and Ben are All Square; on the first Extra Hole Alex scores 4 and Ben scores 5, so Alex wins that hole and the Sudden-Death Play-off, with the Match Result recorded as Alex 1 up.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a(4) and Rule 5.1
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is a Sudden-Death Play-off automatic in match play?
No. Rule 3.2a(4) gives one-hole-at-a-time extension as the default when a match is tied after the final hole, but the Terms of the Competition may allow a tie or specify a different method or starting hole.
Does a sudden-death hole compare total playoff strokes?
In match play, no. Each extra hole is settled as a hole: the lower score wins that hole, subject to applicable handicap strokes and the Rules. The first player or side to win an extra hole wins the match.
Are handicap strokes used during extra holes?
Normally, yes, in the same way as during the match, using the Committee's stroke-index allocation. The Terms of the Competition may state a different method, so players should check them before starting the play-off.
Is a Sudden-Death Play-off the same as every golf play-off?
No. It is one possible tie-breaking method. A competition's Terms may prescribe another method, and a tied match should not be decided by a stroke-play play-off under the USGA committee guidance cited here.
Is the extra hole a new round?
No. Under Rule 5.1, an extended match is a continuation of the same round, not a new round.
Can a play-off start somewhere other than the first hole?
Yes, if the Terms of the Competition provide for a different starting hole or another tie procedure. Without such a provision, the holes are played in their usual round order.