What is the U.S. Women's Open playoff format? (It's the same for the men)

What happens if things are still tied up at the end of 72 holes at the 2025 U.S. Women's Open? Glad you asked.

The USGA uses a two-hole aggregate playoff format if there are any ties after 72 holes. If there are still golfers tied after the two holes, the format flips to sudden death until a winner is determined. The USGA went to this format for the Women's Open in 2018.

The previous format was a three- or four-hole aggregate, used from 2007 to 2017. Priot to that, the Women's Open playoff was 18 holes held the day after the final round.

When was the last playoff at the U.S. Women's Open?

In 2018, the first year of the current playoff format, Ariya Jutanugarn won in a playoff at Shoal Creek. There has not been a playoff since.

U.S. Women's Open playoff history

2018 - Ariya Jutanugarn, Shoal Creek

2016 - Brittany Lang, CordeValle

2011 - So Yeon Ryu, The Broadmoor

2006 - Annika Sorenstam, Newport Country Club

2003 - Hilary Lunke, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club

1998 - Seri Pak, Blackwolf Run

1992 - Patty Sheehan, Oakmont Country Club

1987 - Laura Davies, Plainfield Country Club

1976 - JoAnne Gunderson Carner, Rolling Green Golf Club

1964 - Mickey Wright, San Diego Country Club

1956 - Kathy Cornelius, Northland Country Club

1953 - Betsy Rawls, Country Club of Rochester

Is the U.S. Women's Open playoff the same as the U.S. Open?

Yes, it is. In 2018, the USGA went to the current playoff format for both championships. The two-hole aggregate followed by sudden death is also used for both of the Senior U.S. Opens.