How Many Playoffs Have There Been At The Masters?
There have been plenty of thrilling conclusions at The Masters and, throughout its 89 editions, we have seen a total of 17 playoffs


The Masters is one of, if not, the most prestigious events on the golfing calendar, with multiple legends claiming the Green Jacket since its first event in 1934.
Throughout its history, it's provided several iconic moments and, in its 89 editions, there have been a total of 17 playoffs, with Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods just some of the names to win the championship via a playoff.
The Masters Playoffs
Year | Players | Winner |
2017 | Sergio Garcia & Justin Rose | Sergio Garcia |
2013 | Adam Scott & Angel Cabrera | Adam Scott |
2012 | Bubba Watson & Louis Oosthuizen | Bubba Watson |
2009 | Angel Cabrera, Kenny Perry & Chad Campbell | Angel Cabrera |
2005 | Tiger Woods & Chris DiMarco | Tiger Woods |
2003 | Mike Weir & Len Mattiace | Mike Weir |
1990 | Nick Faldo & Raymond Floyd | Nick Faldo |
1989 | Nick Faldo & Scott Hoch | Nick Faldo |
1987 | Larry Mize, Seve Ballesteros & Greg Norman | Larry Mize |
1982 | Craig Stadler & Dan Pohl | Craig Stadler |
1979 | Fuzzy Zoeller, Ed Sneed & Tom Watson | Fuzzy Zoeller |
1970 | Billy Casper & Gene Littler | Billy Casper |
1966 | Jack Nicklaus, Tommy Jacobs & Gay Brewer | Jack Nicklaus |
1962 | Arnold Palmer, Gary Player & Dow Finsterwald | Arnold Palmer |
1954 | Sam Snead & Ben Hogan | Sam Snead |
1942 | Byron Nelson & Ben Hogan | Byron Nelson |
1935 | Gene Sarazen & Craig Wood | Gene Sarazen |
In 1935, just a year after the inaugural event, Gene Sarazen defeated Craig Wood in a 36-hole Monday playoff, with Sarazen producing a level-par score that trumped Wood's five-over total.
The tournament is known for Sarazen's albatross at the 15th hole during the final round, dubbed the "shot heard around the world."
Seven years later, Byron Nelson got the better of Ben Hogan in a playoff and, 12 years after, Sam Snead would also defeat Hogan in a playoff.
From 1962 to 1970, there were three playoffs at Augusta National, with World Golf Hall of Famers Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Billy Casper claiming victories in those three editions.
Nicklaus celebrates his victory in 1966
Over the next 11 years, there were five playoffs and, in 1979, the first sudden-death playoff took place between Fuzzy Zoeller, Ed Sneed and Tom Watson. In fact, Zoeller was the last debut winner of The Masters, birdieing the second playoff hole to win his only Green Jacket.
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In 1989 and 1990, Faldo claimed back-to-back victories via playoffs and, 13 years later, Mike Weir won his only Green Jacket.
Two years after Weir, Woods defeated Chris DiMarco in a playoff, with the tournament famed for Woods' iconic chip shot at the par 3 16th. The playoff was the first to start at the 18th and, at the first hole, Woods birdied to claim the win.
After Angel Cabrera defeated Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell in 2009, the 2012 Masters featured one of the best playoffs we have ever seen, with Bubba Watson producing a 50-yard hooked wedge shot against Louis Oosthuizen to claim his first Masters win.
Just 12 months later, Adam Scott defeated Cabrera at the second playoff hole and, in 2017, Sergio Garcia finally added his first Major win to his CV, defeating Justin Rose with a birdie at the first playoff hole.

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. His favorite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°
Irons: TaylorMade P.7CB
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
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