After two days of most professional golf tournaments, the field of players is cut so only the best-performing players feature in the final two days. Traditionally, the cut line keeps the best 65-70 players - and anyone tied with those at the bottom of that list - in the tournament for the weekend's action, but the number who make the cut varies between tournaments.

At this year's Masters, for example, just 50 players and ties made the cut. Until 1985, The Open made cuts after both the second and third round, but has since switched to one cut at the end of the second round.

Making the cut is crucial for a player's prize money. At the 2025 Open, all players making the cut will receive a minimum of $37,650 (£28,000), while the best player who does not make the cut receives just $12,350 (£9,200).

Historical Context: The 10-Shot Rule

In previous years, some golf tournaments used a 10-shot rule when it came to making the cut. The premise was simple - any player who was within 10 shots of the leader at the end of two or three rounds would make the cut. At the 1991 Open, that meant 113 players made the cut, and the rule has since been abolished. The latest of golf's four majors to use the 10-shot rule as the cut line was the Masters in 2020.

Importance of the Cut Line

The cut line not only determines who continues to compete but also significantly impacts a player's earnings and career trajectory. Players who consistently make the cut are often seen as more reliable and are more likely to secure sponsorships and invitations to prestigious tournaments.

Conclusion

Understanding the cut line is essential for both players and fans of golf. It shapes the competitive landscape of the tournament and adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game. As rules evolve, the cut line remains a pivotal aspect of professional golf tournaments.