<img src="https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&amp;c2=28200087&amp;cv=3.9.1&amp;cj=1">
x

Join the GOLF team at Pinehurst this May

Reserve Now

Masters cut line rule: How they determine the Masters cut

Pat RalphBy Pat Ralph
divider
April 12, 2019

The Masters cut line is the bearer of bad news and an unfortunate early end to the week for golfers who expected to play into the weekend at Augusta National.

Just because you were invited to compete and play at the 2019 Masters Tournament doesn’t mean you get to play beyond the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday; you have to be able to play well at the first major of the season to advance to the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

But how does the Masters cut line rule work at Augusta National? Well, any player who places within either the top 50 and ties or 10 shots of the lead after 36 holes will advance to Saturday and Sunday at Augusta.

Golfers at the top of the leaderboard don't need to worry about the Masters cut line.
Golfers at the top of the leaderboard don't need to worry about the Masters cut line.
Getty Images

The rule was previously much stricter, as only the top 44 players and ties made the cut after the first two rounds. That changed in 2014 after being in place for 52 years. The original rule before that allowed only the top 40 to advance to Saturday and Sunday at Augusta National.

Of the four majors, the Masters cut line rule is the strictest. The U.S. Open allows for the top 60 and ties to advance to the weekend, while the PGA Championship and Open Championship cut line is at the top 70 and ties.

Make sure to follow along with our Masters coverage on our leaderboard and live blog.

To receive GOLF’s all-new newsletters, subscribe for free here.

x