PGA Championship Cut Rule

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Quick Answer

• The PGA Championship typically cuts to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes are completed.
• A crucial part of the rule is that any player within 10 strokes of the leader after the second round also makes the cut, regardless of their specific position.
• This ensures a strong, competitive field remains for the weekend’s final two rounds.

Who This Is For

• Golf fans who enjoy dissecting tournament formats and understanding the ebb and flow of professional events.
• Anyone who likes to place a friendly wager or engage in fantasy golf – knowing who’s playing on Saturday and Sunday is key.
• Aspiring golfers looking to understand the benchmarks and structure of elite professional competition.

What to Check First: PGA Championship Cut Line

Before you get too deep into predictions or analysis, a few things are essential to nail down regarding the cut.

• Official Tournament Regulations: Always the first stop. The PGA of America sets the rules for the PGA Championship, and they’re usually available on their official website or the tournament’s specific site. This is where you’ll find the definitive word.
• Current Year’s Specific Rule: While the PGA Championship cut rule is fairly consistent, it’s always wise to verify for the exact tournament year you’re following. Minor tweaks can happen, and you don’t want to be operating on outdated info.
• Projected Cut Line (After Round 1): This gives you a good early indicator, but remember, it’s just a projection. Scores can swing wildly between Thursday and Friday, so don’t treat it as gospel until Friday’s round is in the books.
• Leaderboard Status: Keep an eye on the leaderboard as the second round concludes. This is where you’ll see the actual cut taking shape.

Understanding the PGA Championship Cut

This is where the drama really unfolds. The cut happens after 36 holes, which is usually on Friday evening. It’s a critical juncture that separates the contenders from the rest of the pack, ensuring that the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday feature the strongest possible field. Nobody wants to watch a bunch of guys who are already out of it grinding on the weekend. It’s all about who has the game to stick around.

Step-by-Step Plan: How Many People Make the Cut at the PGA Championship

1. Observe the Completion of Round 2.

• Action: Watch closely as the final groups finish their rounds on Friday.
• What to look for: You need to see that all scheduled players have completed their 36 holes. The leaderboard should reflect final scores for the first two days.
• Mistake to avoid: Making definitive cut predictions or decisions before all players have finished. I’ve seen guys make miraculous birdies on their last hole to sneak inside the cut, and conversely, blow up and miss it. It’s a volatile time.

2. Identify the Player in 70th Position.

• Action: Locate the player(s) occupying the 70th spot on the official leaderboard.
• What to look for: Note the score of this player. This score becomes your initial benchmark for who is currently inside the cut line.
• Mistake to avoid: Miscounting players or getting confused by names that sound similar. Double-check the official ranking to ensure you’ve identified the correct 70th-place score.

3. Count All Players at That Score or Better.

• Action: Tally up every player whose score is equal to or lower (better) than the score of the player in 70th position.
• What to look for: The total number of players who have officially made the cut based on this position.
• Mistake to avoid: Forgetting to include ties. If there are three players tied for 68th, they all advance. This is why the number is often more than exactly 70.

4. Apply the 10-Stroke Rule.

• Action: Compare the score of every player on the leaderboard to the score of the player in the outright lead.
• What to look for: Any player whose score is within 10 strokes of the leader’s score, regardless of their position on the leaderboard, also makes the cut. This is a crucial safety net.
• Mistake to avoid: Overlooking this rule entirely. It’s a critical component that can allow players who might be in, say, 80th place to still make the cut if the scoring conditions are tough and the leader is only at -3, and they are at -12.

PGA Championship Cut Line Dynamics: Keeping the Field Sharp

The PGA Championship Cut Rule and Qualification process is expertly designed to ensure that the weekend rounds are as compelling and competitive as possible. It’s not just about arbitrarily picking a number; it’s about preserving the integrity of the competition by keeping players who are still in contention within striking distance of the lead. This system is a standard in professional golf for good reason – it keeps the stakes high for everyone still playing.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Assuming the cut is always exactly 70 players.
• Why it matters: This is a common misconception. Ties at the 70th position are frequent, meaning the actual number of players making the cut can easily exceed 70. For example, if five players are tied for 68th place, all five advance, pushing the total number of players to 72 (or more, depending on other ties).
• Fix: Always count all players who achieve the 70th-place score or better. Then, critically, apply the 10-stroke rule as well, as this can add even more players.
• Mistake: Not accounting for the 10-stroke rule.
• Why it matters: This rule is a significant factor. It acts as a buffer, ensuring that players who might have had a slightly rough second round but are still within a reasonable distance of the leader (meaning they could theoretically make a run) don’t get cut prematurely.
• Fix: Always check the leaderboard against the current leader’s score. If a player is, say, 9 strokes behind the leader, they make the cut, even if they are technically outside the top 70 players by position alone.
• Mistake: Making assumptions about the cut before all players finish Round 2.
• Why it matters: The leaderboard is a dynamic entity until the final putt drops. A player starting their round late on Friday might post a score that significantly alters the cut line, especially if they go on a birdie streak or struggle with bogeys.
• Fix: Patience is key. Wait until all 156 players have completed their 36 holes and the official scores are posted before you declare the cut line set in stone.
• Mistake: Confusing the PGA Championship cut rule with other major championships or PGA Tour events.
• Why it matters: While most professional golf tournaments have a cut after 36 holes, the exact number of players and the specific conditions (like the 10-stroke rule) can vary. For instance, The Masters has a slightly different cut rule.
• Fix: Always refer to the specific regulations for the PGA Championship. The PGA of America dictates the rules for this major, and they might differ from the USGA (U.S. Open) or the R&A (The Open Championship).
• Mistake: Focusing solely on the score and forgetting about ties.
• Why it matters: Golf is about scores, but the cut is about player positions. If multiple players share the same score at the bubble, they all advance. This is a primary reason the number of players making the cut rarely stays at exactly 70.
• Fix: When you identify the 70th-place score, meticulously count everyone who has that score or better.

FAQ

• What is the typical number of players who make the cut at the PGA Championship?

The PGA Championship generally cuts to the low 70 players and any ties at that position. This means the number is usually around 70, but can be slightly higher due to ties.

• Does the PGA Championship always cut to exactly 70 players?

No, not always exactly 70. The rule is for the “low 70 players and ties.” If multiple players are tied for the 70th spot, they all advance, increasing the total number of players making the cut.

• What is the 10-stroke rule for the PGA Championship cut?

The 10-stroke rule is a significant part of the PGA Championship‘s cut criteria. It states that any player who is within 10 strokes of the leader’s score after 36 holes will also make the cut, regardless of their specific position on the leaderboard. This ensures players who are still close enough to contend aren’t eliminated.

• When does the cut happen at the PGA Championship?

The cut is officially made after the completion of the second round, which consists of 36 holes. This typically falls on a Friday evening of the tournament week.

• Can the cut number change after the second round is officially over?

Once all players have completed their 36 holes and the scores are finalized and posted by the PGA of America, the cut is set. It does not change after this point for the remainder of the tournament.

• What happens if the 10-stroke rule brings the total number of players well over 70?

The PGA Championship rules prioritize both the top 70 players (and ties) and the 10-stroke rule. If both criteria result in a larger field than 70, that larger field will advance to the weekend. The intent is to keep competitive players in the mix.

Sources:

• PGA Championship Cut Rule and Qualification