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PGA Championship Cut Line Explained For Golfers

ByMichael Reeves

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick Answer

  • The PGA Championship cut line is the score threshold that determines which players advance to the weekend rounds.
  • It’s typically set after 36 holes of play, with the top-ranked players making the cut.
  • The exact number of players making the cut can vary based on tournament conditions and the total number of players who finish 36 holes.

Who This Is For

  • Golfers competing in the PGA Championship, looking to understand how the tournament progresses and what score they need to survive.
  • Golf fans who want a deeper dive into the mechanics of professional golf tournaments, especially the drama surrounding the cut.
  • Aspiring amateur golfers who study the game and want to understand the structure of major championships.

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What to Check First: PGA Championship Cut Line Factors

  • Official PGA Championship Rules: Always check the official PGA Championship rules for specifics on cut criteria. The PGA of America sets the rules, and they are the final word. These rules will detail the exact number of players who qualify for the weekend rounds and any tie-breaking procedures.
  • Weather Forecast: Conditions can wreck a round, plain and simple. Wind, rain, or extreme heat can drastically affect scores and, consequently, the cut line. A course that plays easy on a calm day can become a beast in gusty winds, pushing the cut line higher.
  • Typical Cut Number: While it can vary, the cut is usually around the top 70 players and ties. Knowing this gives you a baseline expectation for what score is generally required to advance. This number is usually stated in the tournament’s official information.
  • Course Difficulty and Setup: A tougher course, set up with challenging pin positions, fast greens, and penal rough, often leads to a higher (worse) cut line score. A score of +3 might be good enough to make the cut on one course, but barely make it on another, especially if it’s a championship layout designed to test the best.
  • Field Strength and Scoring: The overall caliber of the field and how well the players are scoring on a given day also play a role. If the best golfers in the world are collectively having a phenomenal scoring day, the cut line will naturally be lower. Conversely, a day where the field struggles will push the cut line up.

Understanding the PGA Championship Cut Line

The PGA Championship, being one of golf’s four major championships, holds a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike. The drama surrounding the cut line is a significant part of the tournament’s narrative, often creating intense battles on the course as players fight to extend their stay for the weekend. For those competing, making the cut is a primary goal, ensuring they get a chance to play for the championship title and valuable FedExCup points. For spectators, it’s a thrilling subplot that adds another layer of excitement to the competition. The PGA Championship cut line explained is crucial for anyone wanting to follow the tournament closely.

The cut line isn’t a pre-determined score set before the tournament begins. Instead, it’s a dynamic figure that evolves throughout the first 36 holes. It’s essentially a moving target, dictated by the collective performance of the entire field. This means a player might be safely inside the cut line after the first round, only to find themselves on the bubble or even outside it as the second round progresses. This unpredictability is part of what makes professional golf so compelling.

Step-by-Step Plan: Navigating the PGA Championship Cut Line

1. Observe Round 1 Scores Closely: After the first round is completed, take a good look at the leaderboard. Look for a general cluster of scores around the projected cut area. Don’t just glance at the leaders; pay attention to players in the middle of the pack, say from 50th to 90th place. Mistake to avoid: Assuming the cut line is already set based solely on these first-round scores. The second round is where the real story unfolds, and conditions can change dramatically. A few early birdies might put you in good shape, but a late triple bogey can undo all that hard work.

2. Monitor Round 2 Progress Live: As the second round gets underway, keep a close eye on the live leaderboard. Look for how scores are trending and where players are falling relative to the projected cut line. You’ll see players making birdies to move up and bogeys to slide down. The real drama often unfolds for those players hovering just inside or outside the cut. Mistake to avoid: Focusing only on the leaders and ignoring those on the bubble. These players fighting to make the cut often provide the most compelling individual storylines of the day. I remember watching a guy at the 2019 PGA, he birdied his last three holes to sneak in by one shot. That’s the stuff of legends.

3. Identify the Projected Cut Line: As the second round progresses, especially in the afternoon wave when more players have finished or are nearing completion, the projected cut line will become clearer. Look for the specific score that is currently separating the players who would advance from those who would be going home. This is the score you want to track. Mistake to avoid: Not understanding that the projected cut line is fluid and can change until the very last player completes their 36th hole. A late surge by players in earlier time zones can shift the line, or a collapse by players in later waves can push it back up.

4. Analyze the “Bubble” Players: Dedicate some attention to the players who are exactly on the projected cut line or just a shot or two either side of it. Look for their position on the course, how many holes they have left, and their recent performance (last few holes). Are they making aggressive swings, or playing conservatively? Mistake to avoid: Underestimating the pressure these players are under. A seemingly simple chip or putt can feel like the weight of the world when you’re on the bubble. I’ve seen players freeze up on these crucial shots.

5. Check the Official Cut Line: Once all players have completed their second round (or all players who are able to complete their round have done so), the official cut line will be posted by the PGA of America. Look for your favorite player’s name on the correct side of this line. This is the moment of truth. Mistake to avoid: Giving up too early if you’re on the bubble. Sometimes, a few late birdies can save a round, or a string of pars on a tough stretch can hold steady. Don’t concede defeat until the final score is official.

PGA Championship: Understanding the Cut Line Factors

The PGA Championship: Understanding the Cut Line involves grasping a few key elements that influence where that magical line will be drawn. It’s not just about shooting the lowest scores; it’s about the collective performance of the field on a given course under specific conditions.

Understanding the Cut Line at the PGA Championship requires a keen eye on several variables that contribute to the final score. The PGA Championship is known for its challenging courses, often set up to test the mettle of the world’s best golfers. This means that par is often a difficult score to achieve consistently over 36 holes.

Common Mistakes in PGA Championship Cut Line Analysis

  • Assuming a Fixed Cut Line — Why it matters: The cut line is a dynamic figure, directly influenced by the collective performance of the entire field and the day’s playing conditions. It’s not a static number set in stone before play begins. — Fix: Continuously monitor the live leaderboard throughout the second round to understand how the projected cut line is evolving. Pay attention to the scores of players ranked roughly between 60th and 90th, as they are the ones most likely to influence the final cut.
  • Only Watching the Leaders — Why it matters: While the leaders are exciting to watch, the real drama surrounding the cut often occurs with the players hovering just inside or outside the projected cut line. These are the players fighting for their weekend survival. — Fix: Make a point to track players ranked from roughly 60th to 90th on the leaderboard. Their struggles and triumphs are often what determine the final cut number.
  • Ignoring Weather’s Impact — Why it matters: Inclement weather, such as strong winds or heavy rain, can significantly inflate scores across the field, making the cut line higher (meaning a worse score is needed to advance) than it would be under ideal conditions. — Fix: Check the weather reports for the tournament location and observe how the conditions are affecting play throughout the day. Notice if scores are generally higher in the morning or afternoon waves due to wind shifts or precipitation.
  • Not Understanding the “Top 70 and Ties” Rule: — Why it matters: This is the standard for most major championships, including the PGA. If the cut line falls at, say, +2, and there are five players tied at +2, all five will advance, potentially pushing the total number of players making the cut beyond 70. — Fix: Be aware that the “top 70” is a guideline. The actual number of players making the cut can be higher due to ties at the cut line score.
  • Forgetting About Player Withdrawals or Disqualifications: — Why it matters: If a player withdraws or is disqualified before completing 36 holes, their score is removed from the standings. This can sometimes have a minor impact on the final cut line for the remaining players. — Fix: While less common, be aware that these events can occasionally influence the final cut number, though usually only by a stroke or so.
  • Overreacting to Early Round Scores: — Why it matters: A player might have a fantastic first round and feel comfortable, or a player might have a disastrous first round and think all hope is lost. However, the second round is crucial for determining the final cut. — Fix: Understand that the cut is determined after 36 holes. A good or bad first round is only half the story. Focus on the cumulative score after both rounds.

FAQ: Your PGA Championship Cut Line Questions Answered

  • How is the PGA Championship cut line determined?

The PGA Championship cut line is determined by the scores of the players after 36 holes of play. Typically, the top 70 players and any players tied with them at that score advance to the weekend rounds (the third and fourth rounds). The PGA of America officially sets this line.

  • What happens if there’s a tie at the cut line?

If there is a tie at the cut line score, all players at that score or better make the cut. For example, if the cut line is set at +2, and there are several players tied at +2, all of them will advance to the weekend. This means the total number of players making the cut can sometimes exceed 70.

  • Does the PGA Championship cut line change after the first round?

Yes, it absolutely can. The cut line is only finalized after all players have completed their second round of play. The scores from the second round can significantly shift the leaderboard, meaning a player who was safely inside the cut after round one might find themselves on the bubble or even outside it by the end of round two.

  • Can the cut line be a negative score (under par)?

Yes, absolutely. On easier courses, or when the field is playing exceptionally well, the cut line can be under par. For instance, a cut line of -1 or -2 is not uncommon in such circumstances. Conversely, on very difficult courses or in challenging conditions, the cut line could be significantly over par, like +5 or higher.

  • What happens if a player is disqualified or withdraws before the cut?

If a player is disqualified or withdraws from the tournament before completing 36 holes, their score is effectively removed from the standings. This can have a minor impact on the final cut line for the remaining players, as the total number of players who complete 36 holes will be slightly reduced.

  • How many players typically make the cut at the PGA Championship?

The standard is that the top 70 players and ties will make the cut. So, if the 70th player is at +2, and there are, say, five players tied at +2, all 70 + 5 = 75 players will make the cut. The PGA of America has the discretion to adjust this, but it’s rare.

  • When is the cut line officially announced?

The official cut line is announced after all players have completed their second round of play. This usually happens late on Friday afternoon or early Friday evening, depending on the tournament schedule and any delays.

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