Rewriting History

NOW THAT THE USGA HAS GONE FROM 18 HOLES TO TWO FOR U.S. OPEN PLAYOFFS, WE LOOK BACK ON WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.

- Dan Jenkins

▶ When the USGA announced this year that it was going to switch to a two hole playoff and sudden death thereafter to determine future winners of the U.S. Open in case of a tie after 72 holes, those who usually follow the championship on TV had a perfect excuse to go happily singing and dancing into the night. No longer would they be forced to call in sick at work to watch the 18-hole playoff on Monday. Unless ofcourse it involved Al Watrous versus Aubrey Boomer. Who would care? ▶ I, however, slumped over in regret when the news hit that after 123 years of 18-hole playoffs, five playoffs of 36 holes, and one of 72 holes, the winner of the grand old Open title has suddenly been reduced to what might as well be a coin flip no matter who’s involved. And obviously for television.