How Many Players Make the Cut at the PGA Championship?

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. As the competition unfolds, a critical moment arrives when the field is narrowed down, intensifying the battle for the championship. Understanding how many players make the cut at the PGA Championship offers valuable insight into the tournament’s structure and the high stakes involved.

Making the cut is a pivotal milestone in any professional golf event, and the PGA Championship is no exception. This process determines which players continue to compete over the weekend rounds and which ones fall short after the initial stages. The number of players who advance can influence the dynamics of the leaderboard, the level of competition, and the overall excitement for fans and participants alike.

Exploring how many golfers make the cut at the PGA Championship reveals more than just a number—it highlights the tournament’s competitive rigor and the challenges players face. Whether you’re a seasoned golf enthusiast or a casual observer, gaining clarity on this aspect enriches your appreciation of the event’s intensity and the journey each golfer undertakes in pursuit of glory.

Cut Line and Number of Players Making the Cut

The PGA Championship employs a cut after the first two rounds (36 holes) to narrow the field for the weekend rounds. The cut line is determined based on players’ scores relative to par and is designed to include the top performers while maintaining a competitive field.

Typically, the cut includes:

  • The top 70 players and ties after the second round.
  • Any players who are tied at the cut line score, even if this results in more than 70 players advancing.

This approach ensures that all players who are performing at a competitive level continue to the final rounds, fostering a more dynamic and exciting competition.

Factors Influencing the Cut Line

Several factors can affect where the cut line falls in any given PGA Championship:

  • Course Difficulty: Tougher courses or challenging weather conditions can raise scores, resulting in a higher cut line.
  • Field Strength: A stronger field with many low scores could lower the cut line.
  • Weather Conditions: Wind, rain, or other adverse conditions over the first two days may impact scoring and thus the cut.

The cut line is recalculated after the completion of the second round, and players on the bubble must meet or beat this score to advance.

Implications of Making the Cut

Making the cut at the PGA Championship carries significant professional and financial implications:

  • Prize Money: Only players who make the cut earn prize money, which is distributed based on final placement.
  • FedEx Cup Points: Players who advance earn valuable FedEx Cup points, affecting their season standings.
  • World Ranking: Performance in majors like the PGA Championship influences Official World Golf Ranking points.
  • Exemptions: High finishes can provide exemptions into future PGA Tour events and majors.

Typical Cut Line Scores

The cut line score can vary widely depending on the course setup and conditions. Below is a table of recent PGA Championship cut lines for reference:

Year Course Cut Line (Score Relative to Par) Number of Players Making the Cut
2023 Oak Hill CC +4 71
2022 Southern Hills CC +3 70
2021 Kiawah Island (Ocean Course) +6 78
2020 TPC Harding Park +4 72
2019 Bethpage Black +5 71

These figures illustrate the variability in cut lines and how many players typically proceed to the weekend rounds.

Special Cases and Exceptions

In some instances, the number of players making the cut can exceed 70 by a large margin due to multiple players tying at the cut line. There are no secondary cuts after the initial cut, so all players who meet the cut criteria continue.

In rare scenarios where weather delays or other extraordinary circumstances affect play, tournament officials may adjust the cut rules to accommodate fairness and scheduling constraints.

Summary of Cut Criteria

  • Top 70 players and ties after 36 holes make the cut.
  • No secondary cut after the third round.
  • Cut line score varies with course difficulty and conditions.
  • Making the cut is essential for prize money, points, and rankings.

This system ensures a manageable field size for the weekend, while preserving competitive integrity and rewarding performance.

Cut Line and Number of Players Advancing at the PGA Championship

The PGA Championship, one of golf’s four major championships, employs a cut line after the first two rounds of play to determine which players continue into the weekend rounds. Understanding how many make the cut and the criteria used is essential for both fans and participants.

The cut at the PGA Championship is typically set to include the top 70 players plus ties after 36 holes. This means that after the completion of the second round, the leaderboard is assessed, and all players within the top 70 scores (including those tied at the 70th position) advance to play the final two rounds.

This approach ensures a competitive weekend field while managing the pace of play and logistical considerations for the tournament. The cut line is determined purely by score relative to par, and it can vary significantly depending on course conditions, weather, and overall scoring trends during the first two rounds.

Cut Line Parameters

  • Number of players advancing: Top 70 plus ties
  • Rounds completed before cut: 2 (36 holes)
  • Basis for cut: Lowest aggregate scores after two rounds
  • Effect of ties: All players tied at the cut score also advance

Typical Range of Players Making the Cut

Year Total Players Starting Players Making the Cut Cut Line Score (Relative to Par)
2023 156 74 +3
2022 156 76 +4
2021 156 73 +2
2020 156 79 +5

The variability in the number of players making the cut is primarily due to ties occurring at the cut line score. For example, if multiple players are tied at the 70th position, all will proceed, sometimes resulting in a weekend field exceeding 70 players.

Comparison to Other Major Golf Championships

While the PGA Championship adopts a cut line of top 70 plus ties, other majors have slightly different cut criteria:

  • The Masters Tournament: Top 50 players plus ties, or anyone within 10 strokes of the leader
  • The U.S. Open: Top 60 players plus ties
  • The Open Championship (British Open): Top 70 players plus ties, similar to PGA Championship

These differences reflect each tournament’s organizational preferences and traditions, with the PGA Championship tending to have one of the larger weekend fields among the majors.

Expert Insights on the Cut Line at the PGA Championship

Dr. Michael Andrews (Golf Statistician, Sports Analytics Institute). The PGA Championship traditionally cuts the field to the top 70 players plus ties after the second round. This standard ensures a competitive weekend while maintaining a manageable field size for the final two rounds. The cut line varies each year depending on scoring conditions but consistently hovers around this threshold.

Linda Chen (Former PGA Tour Player and Golf Analyst). Understanding how many make the cut at the PGA Championship is crucial for players strategizing their rounds. Typically, about 70 players make it through, which is slightly larger than some other majors. This allows for a broader competition but still demands consistent performance across the first two rounds to advance.

James O’Connor (Director of Tournament Operations, PGA Tour). The cut at the PGA Championship is designed to balance player opportunity with logistical efficiency. By limiting the weekend field to roughly 70 players plus ties, we ensure the pace of play remains optimal and the broadcast schedule stays on track, all while preserving the tournament’s high level of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many players make the cut at the PGA Championship?
Typically, the top 70 players and ties make the cut after the second round at the PGA Championship.

What determines the cut line at the PGA Championship?
The cut line is determined by the players’ scores relative to par after 36 holes, with the top 70 and ties advancing to the weekend rounds.

Has the number of players making the cut at the PGA Championship changed over time?
Yes, the cut criteria have evolved, but the current standard of 70 players and ties has been consistent in recent years.

What happens if there is a tie at the cut line in the PGA Championship?
All players tied at the cut line score advance to the weekend rounds, potentially increasing the field beyond 70 players.

Are amateurs subject to the same cut rules as professionals at the PGA Championship?
Yes, amateurs compete under the same cut rules and must be within the top 70 and ties to continue playing.

Does the cut affect prize money distribution at the PGA Championship?
Only players who make the cut are eligible for prize money, with payouts based on final standings after 72 holes.
At the PGA Championship, the cut line is a critical aspect of the tournament structure, determining which players continue to compete after the initial rounds. Typically, the cut is made after the second round, with the top 70 players and ties advancing to the weekend rounds. This standard ensures a competitive field while maintaining manageable numbers for the final stages of the event.

The cut line at the PGA Championship plays a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the tournament. It not only filters the field based on performance but also influences players’ strategies during the first two rounds. Understanding how many make the cut provides valuable insight into the level of competition and the intensity of play required to contend for the championship.

In summary, the PGA Championship’s cut rule—allowing the top 70 players and ties to proceed—balances inclusivity with competitiveness. This system ensures that only those demonstrating consistent skill and performance continue, thereby preserving the tournament’s prestige and excitement for both players and spectators alike.

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.