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The Cut Line at The Open Championship

ByMichael Reeves

← Major Golf Events & Tournaments | The Four Majors


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Quick Answer

  • The cut at The Open Championship typically happens after 36 holes, leaving the top 65 players and any tied for 65th to play the weekend.
  • Players who fall outside this group are out. No more golf for them on Saturday or Sunday.
  • The exact number can shift a bit due to ties, but 65 is the magic number.

Who This Is For

  • Golf fans who want to understand how the big tournaments shake out.
  • Anyone betting on or playing fantasy golf who needs to know who’s playing through.

What to Check First

  • Official Tournament Rules: Always double-check the R&A’s official rules for the current year. Rules can have minor tweaks.
  • Live Leaderboard: After the second round (36 holes), this is your best friend. See where the line is drawn.
  • Stroke-Based, Not Position: Remember, it’s about the score, not just being player #65. Ties matter.

Understanding the Cut Line at The Open Championship

When you’re watching The Open Championship, the cut line is a big deal. It’s what separates the contenders for the weekend from the players heading home early. It usually falls after the second round, meaning players have 36 holes to prove they’ve got what it takes to stick around for Saturday and Sunday. I’ve seen some guys get absolutely gutted missing it by one shot – rough stuff.

Step-by-Step Plan to Navigate The Open Championship Cut

1. Observe the leaderboard after 36 holes. This is where you’ll see all the scores and start to get a feel for who’s making it.

  • What to look for: The scores of every player still in contention. This gives you the raw data to work with.
  • Mistake to avoid: Only looking at the top 10. You need the whole picture. The guys battling just inside the cut are just as important for understanding the dynamic.

2. Identify the player at the projected cut position. This is usually around the 65th spot. Note their score.

  • What to look for: The score of the player sitting in roughly 65th place. This is your provisional cut line.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming the cut is always at a specific number like even par. It changes every year, depending on how tough the course is playing and the conditions. I once watched a U.S. Open where the cut was way over par. Wild.

3. Count the number of players at or better than the projected cut score. This is crucial because ties can push the number beyond 65.

  • What to look for: A total count that’s close to 65, including anyone tied at the cutoff score. This is how you confirm if it’s exactly 65 or more.
  • Mistake to avoid: Miscounting players who are tied. Double-check your math. It’s easy to miss someone when the leaderboard is scrolling fast.

4. Confirm the official cut line. Tournament officials will announce it once the round is complete.

  • What to look for: The final, official number that determines who plays on. This is the definitive word.
  • Mistake to avoid: Relying on unofficial projections too late into the round. Sometimes the cut can move a stroke or two as players finish their rounds.

5. Analyze the score relative to par. Once you have the official cut score, compare it to par for the course.

  • What to look for: Whether the cut is over par, under par, or at even par. This tells you a lot about the difficulty of the course and the conditions.
  • Mistake to avoid: Not understanding that a high score relative to par doesn’t necessarily mean a bad player missed the cut. It just means the course was brutal that day.

6. Consider the field strength and recent form. While not directly part of the cut calculation, understanding the caliber of players competing helps contextualize the cut line.

  • What to look for: If many top-ranked players are hovering near the cut, it suggests a very tight competition.
  • Mistake to avoid: Underestimating the pressure. Even great players can falter when the cut is on the line.

What Determines the Cut for The Open Championship?

The primary factor determining the cut line at The Open Championship is the performance of the players over the first 36 holes. The R&A, the governing body for The Open, sets the rule that the field will be cut to the lowest 65 scores, plus any players who are tied for 65th place. This ensures that the weekend rounds feature a competitive field of the players who have demonstrated the best performance through the initial stages of the championship. It’s a standard practice across most major professional golf tournaments, designed to maintain excitement and allow the best players to compete for the Claret Jug.

The exact score that constitutes the cut line is not predetermined before the tournament begins. Instead, it is a fluid number that emerges from the scores posted by the players. If the course is playing particularly difficult, or if the weather is challenging, the cut line might be over par. Conversely, on a day where players are scoring well, the cut line could be under par or at even par. This variability is part of what makes golf so compelling; you have to adapt to the conditions and play your best.

It’s also important to note that the “top 65” is not always exactly 65 individuals. If, for example, ten players are tied for 60th place, they will all advance. If there are players tied for 65th place, they are also included, meaning the number of players making the cut can sometimes exceed 65. The R&A has specific tie-breaking procedures for determining the exact cutoff if there are ties at the 65th position that would significantly expand the field, but generally, the intent is to keep the number manageable for the final two rounds. Understanding The Open Championship Cut Line Explained is key to following the drama.

Common Mistakes When Gauging The Open Championship Cut

  • Mistake: Assuming the cut is always at even par.
  • Why it matters: Course difficulty, weather conditions, and how the players are scoring all affect the cut line. It can be over or under par. Relying on a fixed number is a rookie move.
  • Fix: Always check the actual scores on the leaderboard for the current tournament. This is non-negotiable.
  • Mistake: Only looking at the top 65 players as distinct individuals.
  • Why it matters: If multiple players are tied for 65th, they all make the cut. This can mean more than 65 players play on the weekend. Ignoring ties is a common oversight.
  • Fix: Count all players who have a score at or better than the cutoff score. This gives you the true number of weekend participants.
  • Mistake: Relying on outdated information about cut rules.
  • Why it matters: While generally consistent, there can be minor variations in cut rules from year to year. You don’t want to be the one quoting last year’s rules.
  • Fix: Always consult the official tournament rules for the current year or check the R&A’s website. They are the final word.
  • Mistake: Not checking the leaderboard frequently enough.
  • Why it matters: As players finish their rounds, the projected cut line can move. What looks safe early might not be later. The leaderboard is a living document.
  • Fix: Keep an eye on the leaderboard, especially as the second round nears its end. Refresh it often.
  • Mistake: Focusing solely on the score without considering the conditions.
  • Why it matters: A cut line of +3 might sound bad, but if the wind is howling and the course is playing like a beast, it’s actually a solid performance. Context is everything.
  • Fix: Always consider the weather and course conditions when evaluating the cut line. Talk to other fans or watch the commentary for insights.
  • Mistake: Forgetting about players who started on the back nine.
  • Why it matters: Their rounds finish later than those who started on the front nine. The projected cut can still shift significantly as these players complete their holes.
  • Fix: Be aware of the tee time groupings and understand that the leaderboard will continue to evolve as the day progresses.

FAQ

  • How many players typically make the cut at The Open Championship?

Typically, the top 65 players and any players tied for 65th place make the cut. This means the number can sometimes be slightly higher than 65, depending on ties.

  • When is the cut made during The Open Championship?

The cut is made after 36 holes, which is at the conclusion of the second round on Friday. Players have two full days to make their mark.

  • What happens to players who miss the cut?

Players who miss the cut are eliminated from the tournament and do not play in the third and fourth rounds on Saturday and Sunday. They pack up and head home, often heading to their next event or just getting some rest.

  • Can the cut line change after it’s initially projected?

Yes, the projected cut line can fluctuate as players finish their rounds on Friday. The final cut line is official once all players have completed 36 holes, and the scoreboard is finalized.

  • What is the lowest cut score ever recorded at The Open Championship?

The lowest recorded cut score at The Open Championship was 140 (-2) in 2019 at Royal Portrush. This indicates a particularly accessible course or exceptional scoring conditions that year.

  • Does the cut line apply to all professional golf tournaments?

While the “top 65 and ties” is a common format, some tournaments might have slightly different rules. For example, some events might cut to the top 70 players. It’s always best to check the specific tournament’s regulations.

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