Masters Cut Line Explained: How Many Players Advance?
Masters Cut Line Explained: How Many Players Advance?...
The Masters Tournament cut line is trending today as golf fans track which players will survive to play the weekend at Augusta National. The 2026 tournament's second round concludes Friday evening, with only the top 50 players (plus ties) advancing—a rule that creates dramatic leaderboard movement.
Augusta National maintains one of the strictest cut policies in major championships. Unlike regular PGA Tour events that keep the top 65 and ties, the Masters' smaller field (89 players this year) and historic traditions dictate the tighter threshold. Last year's cut fell at +3, eliminating several big names.
This year's tournament features particularly close competition, with 32 players within five strokes of the lead after Thursday's opening round. Projections suggest the cut line could land at +2 or +3 again, potentially ending the week for past champions like Mike Weir (+4 through 18 holes) and Vijay Singh (+3).
Golf analysts note the cut rule intensifies Friday's back-nine drama, as players on the bubble attempt daring shots to secure their weekend spots. ESPN's coverage will feature live cut line tracking during today's broadcast from 3-7:30 PM ET.
The topic gained search traction after Thursday's unpredictable weather caused scoring fluctuations. Fans are also discussing whether LIV Golf players—who don't earn PGA Tour FedEx Cup points—face added pressure to make the cut for world ranking purposes.
Augusta National's cut policy dates to 1957, when the tournament switched from a 36-hole Friday finish to its current four-day format. The club briefly experimented with a top-44 rule in the 1960s before settling on the current standard in 1966.
Tiger Woods' 2022 cut streak (23 consecutive Masters made) remains a popular comparison point. Several players including Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler could extend their own streaks today. The last player to make the cut on the number and win was Jack Nicklaus in 1986.
Live scoring updates are available on Masters.com and the official app, with the cut expected to be finalized around 8 PM ET Friday. Weekend tickets for patrons who secured them in the annual lottery are among the most coveted in sports when the field narrows.
