GOLF — For casual golf fans, the term "cut line" might sound like jargon, but it plays a crucial role in professional tournaments. Why do players get "cut" after two rounds, and how does it impact the competition? The Ask Me Anything team dives into the rules, history, and significance of the cut line in golf.
What Is the Cut Line?
The cut line is a threshold used in multi-round golf tournaments to narrow the field after the first two rounds (typically 36 holes). Only players who score well enough to meet or beat this line advance to the final rounds. The rest are "cut" from the competition. "It’s a way to ensure the weekend rounds feature the most competitive players," explains PGA Tour rules official Mark Dusbabek.
How Is the Cut Line Determined?
Most professional tournaments use one of two cut rules:
- Top 70 and ties: The standard for PGA Tour events, where the top 70 players (including ties) advance.
- Top 65 and ties: Used in some elite events, like the FedEx Cup playoffs, to further reduce the field.
Majors like The Masters and The Open Championship have their own variations, often including the top 50 players plus those within 10 strokes of the lead.
Why Does the Cut Exist?
The cut line serves multiple purposes:
- Competitive integrity: Ensures only the best-performing players compete in later rounds.
- Logistical efficiency: Smaller fields make weekend play faster and more manageable for broadcasters.
- Fan engagement: Focuses attention on contenders rather than stragglers.
Historically, cuts were introduced in the early 20th century as tournaments grew in size. "Without a cut, you’d have 150 players grinding through four rounds, which isn’t practical or exciting," says golf historian Peter May.
Controversies and Exceptions
Not everyone agrees with the cut rule. Some argue it punishes players who barely miss the line, costing them prize money and FedEx Cup points. In response, the PGA Tour introduced "no-cut" events like the WGC-Match Play and limited-field invitationals.
Tiger Woods once criticized cuts for discouraging risk-taking: "When you’re on the bubble, you play conservatively just to make the weekend. That’s not how golf should be played." However, traditionalists counter that the pressure to avoid the cut is part of the sport’s challenge.
Notable Cut Line Moments
Some of golf’s most dramatic stories revolve around the cut:
- 2019 Masters: Tiger Woods made the cut on the number, then rallied to win his fifth green jacket.
- 2023 U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy missed the cut by one stroke, ending his major hopes early.
Phil Mickelson holds the record for most consecutive cuts made (142) on the PGA Tour, a testament to his consistency. "Making cuts isn’t glamorous, but it’s how you build a career," Mickelson said in a 2022 interview.
Conclusion
The cut line is more than just a rule—it’s a defining feature of tournament golf. It rewards excellence, adds drama, and ensures weekend rounds showcase the sport’s best. While debates over its fairness persist, one thing is clear: "The cut separates contenders from pretenders, and that’s why it matters," says golf analyst Brandel Chamblee.
Next time you watch a tournament, keep an eye on the cut line. It might just determine who lifts the trophy on Sunday.
