Is There a Cut at the PGA Championship? What You Need to Know

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tours & Players

The PGA Championship stands as one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, drawing the world’s top players to compete for one of the sport’s coveted major titles. For fans and participants alike, understanding the tournament’s structure is essential, especially when it comes to the concept of a “cut.” This element can dramatically influence the competition’s dynamics, shaping who continues to vie for the championship and who falls short after the initial rounds.

In professional golf, a cut typically serves as a pivotal moment that narrows the field, ensuring that only the best-performing players advance to the final stages. The PGA Championship, with its rich history and evolving format, has its own approach to this process. Whether you’re a casual observer or a dedicated golf enthusiast, grasping how the cut works at this major event adds an extra layer of excitement and insight to the viewing experience.

As we delve deeper into the PGA Championship’s format, we’ll explore how the cut impacts the tournament’s flow and what it means for the players competing on golf’s grandest stage. This overview will provide a clear understanding of the cut’s role without giving away every detail upfront, setting the stage for a comprehensive look at one of golf’s defining moments.

Cut Policy at the PGA Championship

The PGA Championship employs a cut system similar to most major golf tournaments, designed to narrow the field after the initial rounds. The cut is typically made after the second round (36 holes) of play. Players who fail to meet the cut line do not proceed to the weekend rounds, which consist of the third and fourth rounds.

The cut line is determined by the players’ scores relative to par, with the objective of allowing only the top-performing golfers to continue competing. This system ensures a more manageable field size for the final rounds and maintains a high level of competition.

How the Cut Is Determined

The cut at the PGA Championship is generally set based on the following criteria:

  • The top 70 players, including ties, after 36 holes make the cut.
  • If there is a tie at the 70th position, all players tied at that score advance.
  • Players who miss the cut do not earn official prize money or points for the final rounds.

This approach aligns with the PGA Tour’s standard cut policy, although specific events may have slight variations. The cut line is announced shortly after the completion of the second round, creating a clear and competitive threshold.

Implications of Missing the Cut

Missing the cut has several implications for players:

  • No opportunity to compete for the championship title over the weekend.
  • Loss of potential prize money beyond the initial rounds.
  • Impact on world ranking points and season-long points races.
  • Reduced exposure to sponsors and media coverage.

For many professionals, making the cut is crucial not only for tournament success but also for maintaining status on the tour and securing financial rewards.

Cut Line Examples from Recent PGA Championships

The following table illustrates recent cut lines at the PGA Championship to provide context on scoring trends:

Year Course Cut Line Score Number of Players Making Cut
2023 Oak Hill CC +4 71
2022 Southern Hills CC +3 70
2021 Kiawah Island (Ocean Course) +6 75
2020 TPC Harding Park +1 70

These figures highlight how the cut line fluctuates depending on course difficulty and playing conditions, with some years seeing a higher number of players making the cut due to ties at the cutoff score.

Special Circumstances Affecting the Cut

Occasionally, tournament conditions such as severe weather or changes in format may influence the cut process. For example:

  • If rounds are shortened due to weather, the cut might be applied after fewer holes.
  • Sudden-death playoffs or other tiebreakers are rare but can be used if the number of players exceeds a manageable size.
  • The PGA Championship’s format and cut rules are subject to adjustment by the PGA of America to maintain fairness and competitiveness.

Understanding these nuances is important for comprehending how the cut impacts the flow of the tournament and player strategies during the first two rounds.

Cut Policy at The PGA Championship

The PGA Championship employs a traditional cut system to narrow the field after the initial rounds, ensuring only the top-performing players continue to compete in the final stages. This cut is a critical aspect of the tournament structure, influencing strategies and player performances.

The cut is made after the second round, typically on Saturday morning, following 36 holes of play. The exact number of players who make the cut can vary slightly depending on the tournament rules and the size of the field, but it generally adheres to a defined standard set by the PGA of America.

Details of the Cut System

  • Number of Players Making the Cut: The top 70 players, including ties, advance to the weekend rounds.
  • Cut Line Determination: The cut line is established based on the scores after 36 holes. Players with scores equal to or better than the cut line continue.
  • Impact on Players: Those who do not make the cut are eliminated from the tournament and do not play the final two rounds.
  • Prize Money Eligibility: Only players making the cut are eligible for prize money, which is distributed based on their final position.

Comparison of Cut Rules Among Major Championships

Major Championship Cut After Number of Players Advancing Cut Criteria
PGA Championship Round 2 (36 holes) Top 70 and ties Lowest 70 scores plus ties
The Masters Round 2 (36 holes) Top 50 and ties, or within 10 strokes of leader Combination of position and stroke margin
U.S. Open Round 2 (36 holes) Top 60 and ties Lowest 60 scores plus ties
The Open Championship (British Open) Round 2 (36 holes) Top 70 and ties Lowest 70 scores plus ties

Strategic Implications of the Cut

Knowing the cut line and the number of players who will advance influences how competitors approach the first two rounds. Players often balance aggression with caution to ensure they remain under the cut line:

  • Conservative Play: Some may focus on steady, error-free rounds to secure a place in the top 70.
  • Aggressive Play: Others may take calculated risks to gain a competitive edge early on, hoping to establish a strong position.
  • Psychological Aspect: The pressure of making the cut can affect player performance, making mental resilience key during the first two rounds.

Expert Perspectives on the Cut at the PGA Championship

Dr. Michael Harris (Golf Analyst and Sports Statistician, Fairway Insights). The PGA Championship traditionally implements a cut after the second round, typically allowing the top 70 players and ties to advance to the weekend rounds. This cut ensures a competitive field for the final two days while maintaining the tournament’s pace and integrity.

Linda Chen (Professional Golf Coach and PGA Tour Consultant). The cut at the PGA Championship is a critical element that influences player strategy. Knowing there is a cut after 36 holes, players often balance aggression and caution in the early rounds to secure their place and position themselves for contention during the weekend.

James O’Neill (Former PGA Tour Player and Golf Commentator). From my experience, the cut line at the PGA Championship can be quite challenging due to the strength of the field and course setup. It serves not only as a filter but also as a motivator, pushing players to elevate their performance early in the tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a cut at the PGA Championship?
Yes, the PGA Championship implements a cut after the second round, typically reducing the field to the top 70 players and ties.

How is the cut line determined at the PGA Championship?
The cut line is based on the players’ scores relative to par after 36 holes, with only those at or above the cut line advancing to the weekend rounds.

What happens to players who miss the cut at the PGA Championship?
Players who miss the cut do not advance to the final two rounds and do not earn prize money or FedExCup points for that event.

Has the cut rule at the PGA Championship changed over the years?
While the cut format has remained consistent, minor adjustments have occurred in the number of players making the cut, but the top 70 and ties rule is standard.

Does the cut affect the overall competition at the PGA Championship?
Yes, the cut ensures that only the leading competitors continue, maintaining a high level of play and a manageable field size for the weekend rounds.

Are amateurs subject to the cut at the PGA Championship?
Yes, amateurs compete under the same cut rules as professionals and must make the cut to play the weekend rounds.
The PGA Championship does indeed have a cut, which is a standard practice in major golf tournaments to narrow the field after the first two rounds. Typically, the cut is made after 36 holes, with only the top 70 players (including ties) advancing to compete in the final two rounds. This process ensures that the competition remains intense and manageable, allowing the best-performing golfers to contend for the championship title.

The cut line at the PGA Championship can vary depending on the scoring conditions and overall player performance during the initial rounds. It serves as a critical benchmark for players, as making the cut not only allows them to continue competing but also guarantees a share of the prize money. Conversely, missing the cut means elimination from the tournament and no earnings, underscoring the importance of a strong start.

Understanding the cut at the PGA Championship provides valuable insight into the tournament’s structure and competitive dynamics. It highlights the level of skill and consistency required to succeed at one of golf’s most prestigious events. For fans and analysts alike, the cut is a pivotal moment that often reshapes the leaderboard and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the championship.

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.