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PGA Championship: Understanding the Cut Line

ByMichael Reeves

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | The Four Majors


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Quick Answer

  • The PGA Championship cut line is the score that determines which players advance to the final two rounds of the tournament.
  • It’s typically established after the completion of 36 holes, meaning after the second round wraps up.
  • Generally, the top 70 players and anyone tied for 70th place make the cut and get to play the weekend.

Who This PGA Championship Cut Line Guide Is For

  • Golf fans who want to dig a little deeper into tournament formats and how scores really shake out.
  • Anyone who watches the majors and wonders why some players disappear after Friday while others keep going.
  • Sports bettors who need to understand how player advancement impacts their picks.

What to Check First for the PGA Championship Cut Line

  • Official Tournament Rules: Always double-check the specific rules for the current year’s PGA Championship. They’re published by the PGA of America.
  • PGA of America Website: This is your go-to for official announcements. They’ll post the cut line once it’s finalized.
  • Score-Based, Not Player-Count Based: Understand that the cut line is determined by the score of the player(s) in 70th place, not a pre-determined number of golfers.
  • Timing: The cut is made after 36 holes, which is the standard for most major championships. This means Friday’s play is crucial.
  • Course Conditions: Keep an eye on how the course is playing. Tough conditions can push the cut line higher (more over par), while easier conditions can bring it down.

How the PGA Championship Cut Line is Determined

Step-by-Step PGA Championship Cut Line Determination

1. Action: Monitor the leaderboard closely after the first round concludes.

What to look for: The overall score distribution. Are most players scoring under par, or is it a real grind? This gives you an early feel for potential cut numbers.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the cut line is already set based on round one alone. It’s just the first piece of the puzzle.

2. Action: Observe player performance throughout the second round.

What to look for: How players on the projected cut line are faring. Are they making crucial birdies to stay safe, or are bogeys creeping in and pushing them out? This is where the drama really builds.
Mistake to avoid: Focusing solely on the leaders. The real tension is often felt by those hovering right around the 70th spot.

3. Action: Pinpoint the score of the player(s) sitting in 70th place as the second round nears completion.

What to look for: The exact score that separates the players who will advance from those who will be heading home. This score is the benchmark.
Mistake to avoid: Getting fixated on a single player’s score. Remember, multiple players could be tied at this critical juncture.

4. Action: Verify the official cut line announcement from the PGA of America.

What to look for: The final, confirmed score that defines the cut. Sometimes, minor adjustments can happen as the last groups finish.
Mistake to avoid: Relying on unofficial sports news or social media buzz. Always go to the source for accuracy. This is where you can find more on Understanding the Cut Line at the PGA Championship.

5. Action: Count the number of players who have achieved the cut line score.

What to look for: See if there are any ties at the 70th position. If there are, all players with that score advance.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking only 70 players will ever make it. The “and ties” clause is key here.

6. Action: Confirm the final list of players who have made the cut.

What to look for: The official roster of golfers competing in Saturday and Sunday’s rounds. This is what determines weekend tee times and betting outcomes.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming the cut is final before all groups have officially signed their scorecards.

Navigating the PGA Championship Cut Line

Common Mistakes Regarding the PGA Championship Cut Line

  • Mistake: Assuming a fixed number of players always make the cut.

Why it matters: The PGA Championship, like most majors, operates on a “top 70 and ties” rule. If, for example, five players are tied for 70th place, all five will advance, meaning more than 70 players will play the weekend. This can significantly impact betting odds and fantasy lineups.
Fix: Always remember the “and ties” part of the rule. It’s the most common point of confusion.

  • Mistake: Not checking the official source for the cut line.

Why it matters: Unofficial reports or early predictions can be misleading. The PGA of America is the ultimate authority, and their pronouncements are final. Relying on incorrect information can lead to flawed analysis or bets.
Fix: Make it a habit to check the PGA of America’s official website or app for the confirmed cut line. It’s the most reliable intel you can get.

  • Mistake: Forgetting about ties at the cut line score.

Why it matters: This is a direct consequence of the “and ties” rule. If the cut line is, say, 2-over par, and players finishing at 2-over include those in 68th, 69th, 70th, 71st, and 72nd place, all of them will advance because they are tied at the 70th-place score. This means the field can be larger than 70 players for the weekend.
Fix: Always factor in the possibility of ties when assessing who is likely to make the cut. This is a critical aspect of PGA Championship Cut Line Explained.

  • Mistake: Thinking the cut is based on a pre-determined score, like even par.

Why it matters: The cut line is entirely dependent on the scores the players actually shoot that week. Factors like course difficulty, weather conditions (wind, rain), and the overall caliber of the field all influence where the cut falls. It’s never a fixed target.
Fix: Recognize that the cut line is a dynamic number that emerges from the competition itself, not from an arbitrary target.

  • Mistake: Underestimating the pressure on players just inside or outside the cut.

Why it matters: Friday afternoon at a major is often the most nerve-wracking part of the tournament for many players. Those on the bubble are fighting for their careers, their prize money, and their reputation. This pressure can lead to unexpected collapses or heroic saves.
Fix: Pay attention to players who are close to the projected cut line. Their performance under pressure is often compelling to watch and can reveal a lot about their mental game.

  • Mistake: Assuming the cut line will be the same as previous years.

Why it matters: While historical trends exist, each PGA Championship is played on a different course, often with unique challenges and conditions. What was a typical cut line at Oak Hill might be very different at Valhalla.
Fix: Always research the current course and its historical scoring trends for the PGA Championship, rather than relying on past data from other venues.

FAQ About the PGA Championship Cut Line

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

The standard is the top 70 players on the leaderboard, plus any players who are tied for 70th place. This means the number of players advancing to the weekend can sometimes be slightly higher than 70.

  • When is the cut line officially determined?

The cut is made after the completion of 36 holes of stroke play, which corresponds to the end of the second round of play, typically on Friday.

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

If multiple players share the score that falls at the 70th position, all of those players are included in the group that makes the cut. This is the “and ties” rule in action.

  • Can the cut line score change as the second round progresses?

Yes, the score that defines the cut line can fluctuate throughout the second round as players finish their holes and their scores are posted. However, the official cut is locked in only after all players have completed their 36 holes.

  • Does the PGA Championship always have a cut?

Yes, the PGA Championship adheres to the tradition of having a cut after 36 holes, just like the Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. This format ensures that only the most competitive players proceed to the final two rounds.

  • What is the typical score for the cut line at the PGA Championship?

There isn’t a typical score. It varies greatly depending on the course’s difficulty, the weather conditions, and how the players are scoring overall. It could be under par, at par, or several shots over par. You can learn more about PGA Championship Cut Line Explained For Golfers.

  • Why is the cut line important for golf fans?

The cut line is a crucial element of tournament drama. It creates intense pressure on Friday, determining who gets to compete for the Wanamaker Trophy over the weekend and who heads home early. It also impacts fantasy leagues and betting strategies.

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