The cut at the Masters golf tournament is determined by a straightforward, yet punishing, rule. After 36 holes of play, only the top 50 players and any players tied with the 50th-place score get to play the weekend. This article breaks down exactly how the Masters cut works, how it's evolved, and how it compares to the cut rules at golf’s other major championships.
Making it to the weekend at Augusta National is a massive accomplishment, and it hinges on one clear standard. The current cut rule, which has been in place since 2020, is designed to keep the weekend field small and elite. Here’s the simple breakdown:
Let's use a practical example. Imagine after two rounds, the player sitting in 50th place has a total score of two-over-par (+2). However, there are five other players also at +2 who are technically tied for 50th. In this scenario, all six of those players (the original 50th-place player and the five tied with him) would successfully make the cut. The weekend field would consist of 55 players, and any player at +3 or worse would miss the weekend.
This rule is unforgiving. There is no other way to get into the weekend rounds. A player’s proximity to the leader doesn't matter, all that counts is their position relative to that 50th-place spot. This is what creates so much tension on Friday afternoon at Augusta, as a single shot can be the difference between playing for a green jacket and packing your bags.
If you've followed the Masters for a while, you might remember a an additional layer to the cut rule known as the "10-shot rule." From MMMM to MMMM 2019, the cut included not only the top 50 players and ties but also any player who was within 10 strokes of the leader's score after 36 holes.
This previous rule offered a second chance for players who might have had a slow start but were still within striking distance of the lead. For example, if the leader was at eight-under-par (-8), any player with a score of two-over-par (+2) or better would make the cut, regardless of their position on the leaderboard. If the 50th place and ties score was +1, a player at +2 could still sneak in if they were within 10 shots of the lead.
So, why did Augusta National get rid of it? The change was made ahead of the 2020 Masters primarily to manage the size of the weekend field. The 10-shot rule often resulted in larger fields on Saturday and Sunday - sometimes close to 70 players. A smaller field offers a few key advantages:
By simplifying the rule to just the top 50 and ties, the Masters ensured that only the very best performers from the first two days advance, creating a more dramatic and focused final 36 holes.
While all four major championships have a 36-hole cut, the Masters has the most stringent requirement. This distinction adds to the tournament's unique and exclusive character. Here is how the cut rules stack up against each other:
Considered one of the more forgiving cuts in majors, the PGA Championship advances the top 70 players and ties after two rounds. With a field of 156 golfers, this allows a significant portion of the competitors to play the weekend.
The U.S. Open, known for its brutal course setups, uses a slightly tougher cut rule than the PGA. Here, the top 60 players and ties move on to the final two rounds. This still allows more players through than the Masters but is a step up in difficulty from the PGA Championship and The Open.
Similar to the PGA Championship, The Open Championship uses a top 70 and ties rule. This means the year's first and last majors (The Masters and The Open) represent the two extremes in cut-line philosophy.
Putting it all together, the Masters stands alone. Cutting the field to only the top 50 and ties makes it mathematically the toughest major to make the weekend in, reinforcing its status as a tournament where every single shot counts from the very first tee.
The challenge of making the Masters cut isn't just about the "top 50 and ties" rule itself but is deeply connected to the tournament's very structure. The primary reason the cut feels so intense lies in the field size. The Masters is an invitational tournament with an exclusive, limited field of champions, top-ranked players, and standout amateurs - typically between 85 and 100 competitors.
In contrast, the other three majors all have 156 players. When the U.S. Open cuts to the top 60 and ties, it's thinning a field of 156. When the Masters cuts to the top 50 and ties, it’s trimming down a field that's already small. In a year with 90 entrants, half the players might have a shot at making the cut, making the competition for those spots incredibly fierce. There's very little room for error.
For players, making the cut at Augusta is a career highlight. It means earning a paycheck, securing crucial World Golf Ranking points, and, most importantly, earning the right to play two more rounds on one of golf's most sacred grounds. This immense pressure weighs heavily on everyone, from a first-timer experiencing the nerves of Amen Corner to a past champion trying to prove they still belong.
As a golf coach, I can tell you that playing "on the bubble" on a Friday afternoon is one of the most mentally taxing parts of the game. It becomes a game within the game. You're no longer just trying to post the best score possible, you are acutely aware of one specific number: the projected cut line.
Players and caddies are constantly getting updates. They know that even par might be safe, but one-over is on the edge. This knowledge changes everything. A 20-foot birdie putt isn't just a chance to move up the leaderboard, it’s a shot at survival. A simple two-putt par on the 18th hole can feel like winning a championship if it secures a Saturday tee time. Conversely, a costly three-putt bogey can feel devastating.
The advice for any player in this situation is always the same: control what you can control. Focus on a good process for the shot right in front of you. It's easy to get paralyzed by thinking, "I absolutely HAVE to make par here." A better thought is, "What does this shot require? What's my target? Let's make a committed swing." Sticking to a routine is the only way to quiet the noise and execute under pressure.
Watching this drama unfold is one of the best parts of the tournament. You see players grind over four-foot putts with an intensity usually reserved for the final grouping on Sunday. A fist pump for a par save on Friday might seem small, but for that player, it means everything. It means they've earned the right to come back and compete for another day.
In short, the Masters cut rule is a straightforward test: perform in the top echelon of an elite field for two days, or go home. By limiting the weekend to the top 50 players and ties, Augusta National ensures a focused and highly competitive final 36 holes, adding to the immense pressure and prestige of the tournament.
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