How Many People Actually Make the Cut in Golf Tournaments?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tours & Players

In the world of professional golf, the phrase “making the cut” carries significant weight, often determining which players continue to compete and which ones see their tournament journey end prematurely. For fans and newcomers alike, understanding how many people make the cut is essential to appreciating the drama and strategy that unfold during multi-day golf events. This concept not only shapes the competition but also influences player standings, prize distributions, and the overall excitement of the sport.

Golf tournaments typically start with a large field of competitors, all vying for a chance to advance beyond the initial rounds. The cut acts as a critical filter, narrowing down the field to those who have performed well enough to continue. While the exact number of players who make the cut can vary depending on the tournament and its rules, this threshold plays a pivotal role in maintaining a high level of competition and ensuring that the final rounds showcase the best talent.

Understanding how many players make the cut also sheds light on the pressures golfers face during the early stages of a tournament. It highlights the fine margins between success and elimination, and why every stroke counts from the very first tee shot. As we delve deeper into this topic, we’ll explore the factors that influence the cut line, how it differs across various tournaments, and what it means for players and

Typical Cut Rules in Professional Golf Tournaments

In professional golf tournaments, the “cut” is a critical juncture that determines which players continue competing after the initial rounds. Most standard stroke play events, such as those on the PGA Tour or European Tour, implement a cut after the first two rounds (36 holes). The purpose of the cut is to narrow the field, ensuring that only the top-performing golfers proceed to the final rounds.

Typically, the cut line is established based on the players’ scores relative to par or their position on the leaderboard. The exact number of players who make the cut can vary depending on the tournament’s rules, but common standards include:

  • Top 70 players and ties: This is the most common criterion on the PGA Tour, where the top 70 scorers including ties after 36 holes advance.
  • Top 65 players and ties: Some tournaments choose this smaller group to maintain a more exclusive field.
  • Fixed number of players: Certain events may specify a fixed number without ties, though this is less common.

The cut line is often announced shortly after the completion of the second round, giving players clarity on their status and fans insight into the weekend competition.

Variations in Cut Policies Across Different Tours

While the PGA Tour’s top 70 and ties rule is widely recognized, other tours and specific events may adopt different policies:

  • European Tour: Similar to the PGA Tour, but occasionally adjusts the number of players making the cut depending on the event size or format.
  • LPGA Tour: Typically uses the top 70 and ties rule as well, although some tournaments might use top 60 or top 65.
  • The Masters Tournament: Uniquely, it allows the top 50 players and ties, or those within 10 strokes of the leader, to make the cut.
  • U.S. Open: The cut is made at the top 60 players and ties after 36 holes.
  • The Open Championship: Uses the top 70 and ties standard, similar to the PGA Tour.

Additionally, some tournaments with smaller fields or different formats, such as match play events, may not have a cut at all.

How the Cut Affects Tournament Structure and Player Strategy

The implementation of the cut has significant implications:

  • Tournament Scheduling: Reducing the field after two rounds allows organizers to manage logistics, television coverage, and course availability effectively.
  • Competitive Pressure: Players often adjust their strategies during the first two rounds to ensure they stay above the cut line. For example, some may play conservatively to avoid large mistakes, while others may take calculated risks to climb the leaderboard.
  • Financial Implications: Making the cut typically guarantees a player a share of the prize money, whereas missing the cut means no earnings for that event.
  • World Ranking Points and Exemptions: Advancing beyond the cut often influences a player’s world ranking points and eligibility for future tournaments.

Summary of Cut Numbers in Major Golf Tournaments

Tournament Cut Criteria Number of Players Making Cut
PGA Tour Regular Events Top 70 and ties 70+ (ties included)
European Tour Top 65-70 and ties (varies) 65-70+
LPGA Tour Top 60-70 and ties (varies) 60-70+
The Masters Tournament Top 50 and ties or within 10 strokes of leader Approx. 50+
U.S. Open Top 60 and ties 60+
The Open Championship Top 70 and ties 70+

This table outlines the varying cut thresholds that players must meet to continue competing into the weekend rounds across some of the most prestigious golf tournaments globally.

Typical Number of Players Who Make the Cut in Professional Golf Tournaments

In professional golf tournaments, the concept of “making the cut” is pivotal in determining which players advance to the final rounds, typically after the first two rounds of play. The number of players who make the cut varies depending on the tournament format, governing body, and specific event rules.

Generally, the cut line is established based on the players’ scores relative to par after 36 holes. Players who score above this cut line do not advance, while those at or below it continue to compete in the final rounds.

  • PGA Tour Events: Typically, the top 70 players including ties make the cut after the first two rounds.
  • European Tour Events: Similar to the PGA Tour, the top 65 players including ties usually advance.
  • Major Championships: The cut can vary slightly. For example, The Masters Tournament traditionally cuts to the top 50 players including ties, or anyone within 10 strokes of the leader.
  • Other Tours and Events: Some tournaments or smaller tours may have different cut rules, often cutting to top 60 or top 40 players depending on field size and format.

Cut Line Determination and Its Impact on Tournament Play

The cut line is calculated based on the cumulative scores of all players after two rounds. It serves as a performance benchmark, ensuring that only players who have demonstrated sufficient competitive play continue.

The exact method for setting the cut line includes:

  • Ranking players by total strokes over the first two rounds.
  • Including all players tied at the cut position to maintain fairness.
  • Occasionally applying additional criteria like “within X strokes of the leader” to allow players close to the lead to continue.
Tournament Type Standard Cut Size Additional Criteria
PGA Tour Standard Events Top 70 and ties None
European Tour Events Top 65 and ties None
The Masters Top 50 and ties Within 10 strokes of the leader
U.S. Open Top 60 and ties None
Other Tournaments Varies (40-70) Dependent on event rules

Factors Influencing the Number of Players Making the Cut

Several key factors influence how many players make the cut in a given golf tournament:

  • Field Size: Larger fields often necessitate a larger cut size to accommodate more players advancing.
  • Tournament Prestige: Majors and high-profile events may have stricter or unique cut rules to maintain competitive integrity.
  • Course Difficulty: On particularly challenging courses, cut lines may be higher, potentially allowing more players to make the cut if scores are elevated.
  • Weather and Playing Conditions: Adverse conditions can affect scoring and thus influence the cut line.
  • Television and Scheduling Considerations: Broadcasters and event organizers sometimes influence cut size to ensure a manageable number of players for coverage in final rounds.

Example: Cut Size in Recent PGA Tour Events

Below is an overview of cut sizes and the number of players who made the cut in select recent PGA Tour events:

Event Field Size Players Making the Cut Cut Line (Score Relative to Par)
The Players Championship 2023 144 79 +2
2023 U.S. Open 156 60 +6
2023 Masters Tournament 87 52 +3
2023 Open Championship 156 70 +4

Expert Perspectives on the Golf Cut Line

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Statistician and Analyst, PGA Tour Data Division). The standard number of players who make the cut in professional golf tournaments is typically 70, plus ties. This threshold ensures a competitive field for the final rounds while maintaining manageable playing times and course conditions. Variations can occur depending on the tournament format, but the 70-player cut remains the industry norm.

Michael Donovan (Tournament Director, USGA). In most major golf events, the cut is designed to balance fairness and excitement. Generally, the cut includes the top 70 players and any ties after the second round. This approach allows a sufficient number of competitors to continue while keeping the event logistically feasible and maintaining high standards of play.

Sandra Lee (Professional Golf Coach and Analyst, Golf Digest). From a coaching perspective, making the cut—usually the top 70 and ties—is a critical milestone for players. It not only signifies consistent performance over the first two rounds but also provides the opportunity to compete in the weekend rounds, which can be pivotal for career progression and earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many players typically make the cut in professional golf tournaments?
Most professional golf tournaments allow the top 70 players and ties to make the cut after the first two rounds.

What determines the cut line in golf tournaments?
The cut line is determined by the players’ scores relative to par after the first 36 holes, with only those meeting or exceeding the cut score advancing.

Are there exceptions to the number of players who make the cut?
Yes, some tournaments may have different cut rules, such as allowing the top 60 players or a fixed number plus ties, depending on the event’s format.

Why is making the cut important in golf?
Making the cut allows players to compete in the final rounds, earn prize money, and gain world ranking points.

Do all golf tours have the same cut rules?
No, cut rules vary between tours; for example, the PGA Tour typically cuts to the top 70 and ties, while other tours may have different thresholds.

What happens if there is a tie at the cut line?
All players tied at the cut score are allowed to continue to the final rounds, which can result in more than the standard number of players making the cut.
In professional golf tournaments, the number of players who make the cut typically varies depending on the event and the governing body. Generally, the cut is made after the first two rounds (36 holes) of play, and the field is reduced to the top 65-70 players plus ties in most PGA Tour events. This system ensures that only the best-performing golfers continue to compete in the final rounds, maintaining a high level of competition and pace of play.

Major championships and other tours may have slightly different cut rules. For example, the Masters Tournament usually allows the top 50 players and ties or those within 10 strokes of the leader to make the cut. The European Tour and other international circuits may also have variations in cut lines, but the principle remains consistent: to narrow the field for the weekend rounds based on performance.

Understanding how many players make the cut is crucial for players, fans, and analysts alike, as it directly impacts tournament strategy, scoring dynamics, and viewer engagement. The cut line serves as a pivotal moment in golf tournaments, separating those who advance with a chance to contend from those who conclude their participation early. This system helps maintain competitive integrity and excitement throughout the event.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.