Masters 2025: What happens if the scores are tied? What are the playoff rules?

The 2025 is set to go down to the wire on Sunday, with and set for a final-round shootout. The Northern Irishman leads his rival by two shots after his 66 on Saturday, with both players craving a first-ever green jacket.

The patrons at Augusta and millions watching around the world are braced for a night of tension and drama. With both stars at their mercurial best, the showdown is expected to be in the balance right up until the 72nd hole. However, even then the tournament might not be decided, with a draw finish a distinct possibility.

Express Sport explains what will happen if two players tie for first place....

What happens if the Masters scores are tied?

If McIlroy, DeChambeau, or any other challenger finishes level at the top, then the outcome of the Masters will be decided via a playoff. However, unlike last month's Players Championship, , the crowds won't have to wait until Monday for the outcome.

What are the Masters playoff rules?

If a playoff is needed, the players involved will not have a chance to settle. The leaders will go straight into sudden death on the par-four 18th, and whoever wins the hole will be crowned champion.

If the 18th is tied, it will be a case of returning to the 10th tee. From there, the first person to win a hole will take the green jacket. In the unlikely event of a further nine consecutive tied holes, then the format will be repeated until we find a winner.

How many playoffs has there been in the Masters?

There have been 17 playoffs at the Masters since the tournament was first held in 1934. However, only 11 of these have been sudden death. Prior to that, five were decided by 18-hole playoffs and one by a 36-hole playoff.

When was the first sudden-death playoff?

The first playoff was held in 1935, but the sudden-death format wasn't used until 1979. Fuzzy Zoeler won it by birdieing the second extra hole (10th) to beat Ed Sneed and Tom Watson.

When was the last Masters playoff?

Since 2017, when Sergio Garcia beat Justin Rose to secure his maiden major title, extra holes haven't been needed at Augusta. It only took one hole to decide matters that day, with the Spaniard sinking his birdie foot while his European teammate could only make bogey.