Match Play finale to be contested in 18 holes, not 36, in 2011

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The World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship will have a format change for the championship final, with 18 holes deciding the winner. Previous championship finals have been 36 holes.

The PGA TOUR made the announcement Thursday afternoon upon releasing the 2011 TOUR schedule. The 2011 Accenture Match Play Championship is scheduled for the week of Feb. 21 at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club-Dove Mountain in Marana, Ariz.

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem anticipates that the switch to the 18-hole finale will make for better television.

"We believe this will enhance the viewing experience for the fans on site as well as our NBC television audience," Finchem said.

The format change will also result in a scheduling change.

The quarterfinals shift from Saturday morning to the afternoon and the semifinals move from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning, with the 18-hole championship and consolation matches being held Sunday afternoon.

"We believe the change to an 18-hole championship match will work in the best interest of our players, fans and corporate partners while not jeopardizing the competitive integrity of the event," said Accenture Match Play Championship Executive Director Wade Dunagan. "It is our hope that four different matches contested throughout the day on Sunday, coupled with eight quarterfinal matches on Saturday, will provide more live action to our fans on site, as well as the worldwide television audience -- all while still determining a most-worthy champion by the end of the competition."

Ty Votaw, the TOUR's Executive Vice President, Communications & International Affairs, said the policy board approved the change last week. NBC Sports, which televises the weekend of the Accenture Match Play Championship, also approved the change.

Just twice in 12 years of the Accenture Match Play has the player leading after 18 holes failed to win -- Davis Love III in 2004 against Tiger Woods, and Andrew Magee in 1999 against Jeff Maggert. Two other championship matches were tied after 18 holes.