How a Golf Tournament Cut Works Explainer
A cut reduces a stroke-play golf field after the opening rounds. Players complete the scheduled qualifying portion—often 36 holes—and only those at or better than the announced threshold continue. Scores are cumulative, so the line moves as competitors finish and the leaderboard changes.
Many professional events keep a stated number of players plus ties, but the exact rule belongs to the competition. A cut described as “top 65 and ties,” for example, includes everyone tied for the final qualifying position even if that leaves more than 65 golfers. Major championships and special events may use different numbers or no cut.
The cut line is the highest cumulative score that currently qualifies. Because lower scores are better in golf, a player one stroke above the line is outside. The projected line is not final until the relevant round is complete and penalties or score corrections have been resolved.
Cuts keep later rounds manageable and reward early consistency, but they do not reset scores. Every continuing player carries the full total forward. Weather delays, suspended rounds, secondary cuts, or alternative formats can change the timing, so the event’s published terms determine the procedure.
The competition specifies how many players and ties advance after the qualifying rounds.
The live cut line can move until the round and all scoring adjustments are complete.
Making the cut does not restart the tournament.
Players retain every stroke from the opening rounds in their total.
Some championships use a different number, a secondary rule, or no cut at all.
The event’s terms of competition—not a universal custom—control.
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