There have already been nine sudden-death playoffs on the PGA Tour this year, on pace to break the record of 16, set in 1988 and 1991. Randomness is the most likely reason, though it's plausible that we are seeing more parity in the wake of Tiger Woods' decline. Providing some of the most exciting moments in golf, sudden death is more memorable when it isn't quite so sudden, particularly when two elite players keep answering each other with clutch shots. Such was the case in the five chosen here.
1. Tiger Woods and Ernie Els (2000 Mercedes Championships)
This was the kickoff of Woods' epic season, arguably the greatest single year in the history of golf. Woods was going for his fifth consecutive victory when he and Els played in the final group at Kapalua's Plantation course. The sudden death really began when they arrived on the 72nd hole, a 660-yard par 5, all even. There Woods hit a 3-wood second to 15 feet, while Els followed with 2-iron to 10 feet. Both made their electrifying eagle putts, then went back to the tee to begin the playoff proper. This time, after Els two-putted for birdie, Woods made an eight-footer to stay alive. On the next hole, the par-4 first, Woods holed a 40-footer for birdie, and when Els missed from 35 feet, the slugfest was over.
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