Sudden Death - Course Design

[Carlyle Rood]

I watched the U.S. Senior Open through 72 holes yesterday, but missed the 3-hole playoff and two sudden death holes.

I dislike the 18-hole playoff ONLY because I want to see the outcome of a major championship after investing five hours watching it on television.   I like 3- or 4-hole playoffs.  I don't even mind sudden death after such a playoff.  BUT SHOULDN'T THEY SELECT UNIQUE HOLES DURING THE SUDDEN DEATH.

Isn't it inherently unfair to repeat a hole over and over again to determine a champion?  Even without the benefit of knowing the skills of the competitors beforehand, I think it's reasonable to assume that each hole should favor at least one player.  And if you repeat it?

Does anyone recall how Tom Watson and Don Pooley did on the 18th in the SEVEN times they played it?

[Derrick Pina]

I'm sure they do this simply for the fact that 99% of the crowd is in the vicinity of 18 at the end of the day and it would be unrealistic to have them venture out to far reaches of the course to watch a playoff. Don't get me wrong, I do agree with your view Shivas but this is probably the justifiable reason.

[Bob_Huntley]

Shivas:

Can you imagine the crowd scenes if the powers that be, wanted to showcase the sixteenth hole at Olympic instead of replaying the eighteenth in a similar situation? Absolute chaos. Although I do agree with you, certain players would have a substantial advantage on a long par 5 finishing hole.

[Dave_Miller]

Playing the same hole over and over is not very attractive.  It is kind of like having a shootout in hockey or soccer after watching the game and then the overtime.  
Wouldn't starting over on the three playoff holes be at least a little better?
I'm sure a lot of this decision has to do with TV and Crowd location.

Fairways and Greens
Dave

[Patrick_Mucci]

Anyone can criticize a format, but why not suggest a better method.

What do each one of you suggest as the format for a playoff at the conclusion of 72 holes ?