Tiger Woods' former rival slams major championship change: "It's ridiculous"
Tiger Woods' 2008 U.S. Open rival Rocco Mediate, 61, has suggested every major championship should have an 18-hole playoff.
Rocco Mediate, who famously went toe-to-toe with Tiger Woods in one of the greatest playoffs in golf history, has called for every major championship to have 18 extra holes if scores are tied.
Mediate made the declaration ahead of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on the PGA Tour Champions.
The 61-year-old was outduelled by Woods at the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines.
You'll likely recall it was the major championship where Woods birdied the 72nd hole to match Mediate's score and force and 18-hole playoff.
And on a broken leg.
"I knew he'd make it," Mediate said of the moment, seconds after Dan Hicks bellowed:
"Expect anything different?!"
Mediate decided to turn up to the playoff 24 hours later wearing Tiger's Sunday red and black combo.
In the end, he lost in sudden death after their scores were tied after 18 holes.
The USGA scrapped the format 10 years after their tussle.
And it would be reasonable to surmise Mediate isn't a fan.
Never one to mince his words, Mediate told reporters: "The 18-hole playoffs are over, which is ridiculous.
"Every major should be an 18-hole playoff.
"And if you tie, it should be 18 more. It’s a major. It's not a normal event.
"[I'm] 100 per cent serious. 100 per cent serious. 'Oh, but TV'. I don't care about TV; I want the trophy.
"Sudden death at Augusta National? What? The Masters, we're just going to have one hole? TV? Not concerned."
What playoff formats are currently used in the majors?
Playoff format: Sudden-death, starting on the 18th hole and alternating with the 10th.
Playoff format: Three-hole aggregate, with the holes chosen in advance by the tournament committee.
Playoff format: Two-hole aggregate, determined in advance by the USGA.
Playoff format: Four-hole aggregate, determined by the R&A.
What do you think of Mediate's comments?
Do you think he has a point?
Let us know on X or join us on Facebook.
Watched our latest YouTube video?
Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
