The Masters: 5 big names who missed the cut

The weather-delayed second round of the 2023 Masters is finally in the books… and it’s the end of the road for several big-name contenders. 

After inclement conditions brought a premature end to Friday’s action, 39 players returned to Augusta National at first light this morning in cold and increasingly wet conditions. 

A little over two-and-a-half hours later, it was done, with the cut line finally falling at three-over. 

That proved to be too many for a number of high-profile players…

Justin Thomas (+4)

Two-under and nicely poised after the opening round, US PGA champ Thomas got to three-under after birdieing the second hole of his second round. He was two-under when play was called for the day due to inclement conditions and, when he returned on Saturday morning, the wheels fell off. A double on 11 and further dropped shots on 12, 15, 17 and 18 saw him shoot 78 and miss the cut at Augusta for the first time.

Bryson DeChambeau (+4) 

With every round he plays at Augusta National, DeChambeau’s claim that he considers the course par-67 looks more and more ridiculous. The former US Open champ had back-to-back 74s to finish on four-over. His best finish in seven career starts at The Masters is a tie for 21st on his debut in 2016 – as an amateur.  

Welcome back to Augusta National. #themasters pic.twitter.com/tBCohR0xGh

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 8, 2023

Rory McIlroy (+5) 

For only the third time – but, worryingly, the second in the last three years – the Irishman will play no part in the final 36 holes at Augusta National. Rounds of 72 and 77 had the four-time major champion packing his bags early on what was his ninth attempt at completing the career grand slam. Tenth time’s a charm, right? 

Min Woo Lee (+6) 

Impressive on his debut last year, the young Aussie – who only secured his place in the field a weekend ago – found the going much less easy this time around. He carded 75 on both days. The reason for his struggles? His approach play. The 24-year-old hit only 46% of his greens in regulation, well below the field average of 62%. 

Sergio Garcia (+7) 

The 2017 champion got into it with a reporter after carding a two-over 74 on day one before completely capitulating in the second round. Bogeys on his final two holes put the seal on a disappointing 77. The Spaniard has now made the cut only once in five appearances at The Masters since his breakthrough victory  

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor