In the realm of professional golf, “making the cut” is a pivotal point that qualifies players for the final two rounds of a four-round tournament. This rule not only narrows down the field of competitors but also amplifies the tension and excitement as the championship progresses.
On the Friday of Open Championship week, it isn’t only exciting to see who is in contention, but also who is fighting tooth and nail to make the cut to have a chance at the weekend.
A history of The Open cut rule
The Open Championship is the oldest of the major championships in golf, first contested in 1860. The cut rule – where a select number of players make it through to the weekend – was first implemented at The Open in 1926, where it has remained in place ever since.
Historically, the Open cut lines have had the fewest changes of all four majors. But the British Open cut rule has experienced some changes throughout the tournament’s prestigious history.
Between 1968 and 1985, the R&A implemented a ‘double cut’, which involved a normal cut after 36 holes and an additional cut after 54 holes.
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The Open Championship cut rules
There are no 10-shot rules at The Open where players within 10 shots of the lead make the weekend.
To make the 36-hole cut and advance to the weekend at The Open, players need to be inside the top 70 players – including ties – after the first two rounds of play. This is the same number as the PGA Championship, and 10 places more than at the US Open.
The Masters, albeit with a smaller field, allows only the top-50 and ties to compete over the weekend.
The exact number of players who make the single cut therefore varies from year to year depending on the amount of ties on the cutline. In 2024 at Royal Troon, 80 players made the cut at The Open, while only 70 players made the weekend last year at Royal Portrush.
At age 64, Tom Watson is the oldest player to ever make the cut at this golf tournament, doing so in 2014 at Hoylake.
FAQs
What is the cut rule in the Open Championship?
A: The cut rule in the Open Championship stipulates that after the first 36 holes, the top 70 players, including ties, qualify for the final two rounds of the tournament.
Can the cut rule in the Open Championship change?
A: While the cut rule has remained consistent over the years, the organising body reserves the right to make amendments. Always refer to the most recent championship rules for the most accurate information.
Between 1968 and 1985, the Open made cuts after the conclusion of both the second and third rounds, before switching back to the traditional format of splitting the field after round two.
What does “making the cut” mean for a player?
A: “Making the cut” is a significant achievement for a player as it means they have qualified for the final two rounds of the tournament. It signifies their good performance and keeps them in contention for the championship.
Players will also be given their share of the tournament’s total prize fund, which stood at $3.1 million in 2025, alongside world ranking points for the Official World Golf Rankings.
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