How Many People Make the Cut at the PGA Championship?
The PGA Championship, one of golf's four major championships, features a cut that significantly reduces the field after the first two rounds. Unlike some tournaments with a straight cut, the PGA Championship uses a more complex system to determine who advances to the weekend.
The Number: Generally, the top 70 players and ties make the cut at the PGA Championship. This number can fluctuate slightly depending on the total number of players in the field, as it's always the top 70 players and ties that progress.
This means if 70 players are tied at the cut line, all of them move on to the weekend. Conversely, if only 69 players reach the cut line score, only those 69 players make the cut. The cutoff score will vary from year to year based on the overall field's performance. Players who withdraw before the cut are not factored into the calculation.
How is the cut determined?
The cut is determined after 36 holes (two rounds) of play. The PGA of America sets the cut line, and it is typically around even par or slightly above depending on the difficulty of the course and the overall scoring. Many factors go into the scoring and where the cut will ultimately fall.
What happens to players who miss the cut?
Players who don't make the cut finish their second round and then head home. They don't participate in the final two rounds of the tournament. While missing the cut is disappointing, it's a common occurrence in major championship golf.
What if there's a tie at the cut line?
As mentioned above, all players tied at the cut line advance to the weekend. The PGA of America doesn't employ a playoff to determine who makes the cut; all tied players move forward.
Does the weather affect the cut line?
Difficult weather conditions can significantly affect scoring. If the weather makes the course extremely challenging, the cut line might be set higher than usual, potentially meaning more players make the cut. Conversely, favorable conditions might lead to a lower cut line. The PGA of America takes all relevant factors into consideration when setting the cut line.
How does the PGA Championship cut compare to other tournaments?
While many PGA Tour events feature a cut to the top 70 players and ties, the specific number of players making the cut can vary in other professional tournaments. Some tournaments may have different cut rules, such as cutting to the top 65 and ties or using a fixed number of players regardless of ties. The PGA Championship consistently uses the top 70 and ties methodology.
By understanding how the PGA Championship cut works, golf fans can better appreciate the significance of making it to the weekend and the challenges faced by professional golfers competing in this prestigious major. The top 70 and ties system ensures a competitive field for the final two rounds while acknowledging the skill and performance needed to make the cut.
