The US Open employs a sudden-death playoff format to determine the champion if two or more players are tied after 72 holes. This means the tied players immediately begin playing additional holes, starting with the designated playoff hole (typically the 18th). The player who first scores lower on a playoff hole than all other tied players wins the tournament. If players remain tied after the first playoff hole, they proceed to the next designated playoff hole, continuing until a single player emerges with the lowest score on a hole. This high-pressure, winner-take-all format adds dramatic tension to the conclusion of the tournament.
