There will be a new-look play-off in the Masters this Sunday if two or more players tie.

For the first time, sudden death will start on the 465-yard 18th rather than the 495-yard 10th, which is where Mike Weir beat Len Mattiace last year.

"We just thought it was best," said Augusta National chairman Hootie Johnson in revealing the change on Wednesday.

It means that fans gathered around the 18th for the conclusion of the final round can keep their positions.

If the first extra hole does not settle things, the players involved will then play the 10th, then the 18th again, and so on.

Nick Faldo won his two play-offs in 1989 and 1990 at the 11th and that was also the hole where Larry Mize chipped in dramatically to beat Greg Norman in 1987.

Play-offs at Augusta used to be over 18 holes - the last of them when Billy Casper beat Gene Littler in 1970 - and now it is the only one of the four majors to have sudden death.

The US Open retains its 18-hole play-off the following day, while The Open and US PGA now have three or four-hole play-offs.

"We just like sudden death," added Johnson. "We think it suits us best and we really think this is a more exciting format."

The Duke of York is at the Masters this week and as captain of the Royal and Ancient Club will act as one of two honorary chairman of the tournament rules committee.

Prince Andrew, a six-handicapper, has played Augusta in the past, but will not have the opportunity to do so again before he leaves.

Johnson said he had spoken to Arnold Palmer - playing his 50th and last Masters - about becoming an honorary starter.

"I hope one day he will be, but it will be his decision."

Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson were the last honorary starters, but Sarazen then died and the other two opted out.