What playing format is used at the Masters Tournament?

The Masters Tournament uses a stroke-play format.

In stroke play, competitors complete four rounds and the winner is the player with the fewest total strokes. Every shot counts toward the overall score, with players commonly described in relation to par—for example, five under par or two over par. The Masters is contested over 72 holes, normally 18 holes per day from Thursday through Sunday.

The event begins with a field of invited players, which is smaller and more selective than many open professional tournaments. After the first two rounds, a cut reduces the field for the weekend. Players who survive play the final two rounds, and the lowest aggregate score wins.

A tie for first does not produce co-champions under modern Masters rules. Tied players enter a sudden-death playoff, traditionally beginning on the 18th hole before moving to other holes if necessary. Four-ball, Stableford, and match play are different formats and are not the Masters’ championship format.