Open Championship Cut Rule: How Many Players Make The Weekend At Royal Troon?
While the score at which the cut is determined can change significantly year-upon-year, the rule which decides how many players make it through remains consistent...
Over 150 players begin the final men's Major of the season with lofty ambitions and dreams of stamping their names into golfing folklore with an Open Championship victory in the country where golf is believed to have originated, Scotland.
But for some, those hopes will be dashed all too early and they will have to wait at least several more months before having another crack.
Of all four men's Majors, The Open presents the most likely chance that golfers will compete in all four days, however. The Masters is the strictest with just the top-50 and ties making it through, while the US Open is 60 and ties and the PGA Championship is the top-65 and ties.
The Open Championship cut ensures that the top-70 players and ties make it through to the weekend to battle it out for the famed Claret Jug. That means, of the 158 competitors that begin with high hopes on Thursday, around half are sent packing after 36 holes.
Up until 1985, The Open made two cuts - one after the second round and another after the third round. But the rules were changed the following year, leaving just one cut after 36 holes.
There is no 10-shot rule at The Open either, which was a common system utilised in various tournaments in the past, but it is no longer a feature in the Majors. Quite simply, the 10-shot rule meant that golfers within 10 strokes of the lead made the cut, no matter what position they were in. The highest number of players to make it through to the weekend was 113 at the 1991 Open at Royal Birkdale.
Given the vagaries of links golf, the cut mark can vary dramatically from year to year. At last year's 151st Open at Royal Liverpool, it fell at three-over, with 76 players progressing to the weekend and the likes of Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley, and Joaquin Niemann narrowly missing out.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
It's not all bad news though, as everyone who tees it up in The Open receives a share of the prize money on offer, which has been increased to $16.5 million for 2023.
The top-10 players who don't make the weekend at Troon will still get $12,350 as a consolation. The next 20 will receive $10,300, while everyone else will walk away with $8,750 just for making it to The Open.
The Open Cut Line History
Year | Cut Line | Champion (Score) |
---|---|---|
2023 | +3 | Brian Harman (-13) |
2022 | E | Cameron Smith (-20)* |
2021 | +1 | Collin Morikawa (-15) |
2020 | N/A | N/A |
2019 | +1 | Shane Lowry (-15) |
2018 | +3 | Francesco Molinari (-8) |
2017 | +5 | Jordan Spieth (-12) |
2016 | +4 | Henrik Stenson (-20)* |
2015 | E | Zach Johnson (-15) |
2014 | +2 | Rory McIlroy (-17) |
2013 | +8 | Phil Mickelson (-3) |
2012 | +3 | Ernie Els (-7) |
2011 | +3 | Darren Clarke (-5) |
2010 | +2 | Louis Oosthuizen (-16) |
2009 | +4 | Stewart Cink (-2) |
2008 | +9 | Padraig Harrington (+3) |
2007 | +4 | Padraig Harrington (-7) |
2006 | -1 | Tiger Woods (-18) |
2005 | +1 | Tiger Woods (-14) |
2004 | +3 | Todd Hamilton (-10) |
2003 | +8 | Ben Curtis (-1) |
2002 | +2 | Ernie Els (-6) |
2001 | +2 | David Duval (-10) |
2000 | E | Tiger Woods (-19) |
* Lowest tournament score to par
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
- Elliott HeathNews Editor
-
Lotte Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
Grace Kim defends her title as the Hawaii event offers and increased payout for the 2024 edition
By Mike Hall Published
-
What Are Tommy Fleetwood's Stock Yardages?
The English star is one of the best drivers on the PGA Tour - but how far does Fleetwood hit every club in his bag?
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Provisional Support' Given To Portmarnock As First Open Outside UK Moves A Step Closer
There could soon be a new links on the Open rota, as golf's oldest Major looks set to be played outside the UK for the first time
By Michael Weston Published
-
Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion Confirms He Will Give Up Major Starts In Favor Of Immediate DP World Tour Chance
China's Wenyi Ding confirmed he will be leaving college and giving up starts at The Masters and The Open Championship in favor of immediately starting his pro career
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Irish Venue Moves One Step Closer To Debut Open After Government Agrees To Explore Bid
Portmarnock could become the first course in the Republic of Ireland to host The Open Championship if the Irish government submits an official bid
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'I'd A Great Chance Of Winning This Open' - Shane Lowry Admits Troon Near Miss Will 'Hurt'
Shane Lowry thought he'd be heading back to Royal Portrush next year as Open champion again as he felt he was playing well enough to win at Troon
By Paul Higham Published
-
'It's Something I've Always Wanted' - Xander Schauffele Reveals Grand Slam Ambition After Open Victory
Xander Schauffele says he's always had an eye on winning a career Grand Slam even before he became a quick-fire double Major champion
By Paul Higham Published
-
'Nonsense. That's Links Golf Courses' - Paul McGinley Says Shane Lowry Will 'Regret' Open Set-Up Comments
The Golf Channel analyst labelled Lowry's call to have a couple of tees pushed forward on Saturday "nonsense" after the 2019 Open Champion was mildly critical of how the R&A had set Royal Troon up in bad weather
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Watch The Moment World No.1 Scottie Scheffler Tops A Tee Shot At The Open
The American had a moment to forget on the final hole of The Open at Royal Troon
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘I Just Looked At It As A Normal Sunday Of A Normal Golf Tournament’ - Thriston Lawrence Explains ‘Calm’ Mindset To Finish Fourth At The Open
The South African admitted he was far from overawed at the occasion as he claimed his best-ever finish at a Major with fourth at The Open
By Mike Hall Published