The U.S. Open starts this Thursday. It will be hosted for the 5th time by the historic Shinnecock Hills on Long Island – a par 70 course at 7,445 yards. With 156 players competing for a $12 million purse, plus the return of Tiger to the Open for the 1st time since 2015, it promises some excitement.  

According to the USGA the Open will also feature a new playoff format in the case of a tie. In the past there was a Monday 18-hole playoff round (fans may recall the 2008 playoff between Woods and Rocco Mediate where the two tied after another 18 holes and Woods prevailed in sudden death). This year it will be a simple two-hole aggregate playoff – in part due to audience demand for a Sunday (Father’s Day) finish.  

On the disappointing side – at least for us divers – there’s only one small, swampy water hazard on the entire course – the par 4 sixth hole. Se la vie. That's French for something.

Read SportsLine's surprising winner prediction model (which picked Patrick Reed correctly to win the Masters) here.  

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