What are the US Open cut rules?

The US Open is one of the most coveted prizes in all of golf – but what about the US Open’s cut rules?

There is surely nothing like being in contention down the stretch on a major championship Sunday, but fighting to make the cut line on Friday brings a new type of pressure altogether.

For some it is the financial reward, the OWGR points and having an outside chance of competing for the US Open title, while for others, the prospect of playing two more days of major golf is more than enough incentive. to make the cut mark.

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The USGA’s cut system has changed considerably over the years, with rule changes now allowing for a fewer number of players to compete for the title over the weekend.

Here’s everything you need to know on the US Open cut rules…

US Open cut rules

The USGA, the US Open tournament organisers, first introduced a cut rule to America’s national championship in 1965, when the tournament was increased from a three-day event to a full four-day spectacle.

Rather like the Masters, rules stipulated that any players within ten shots of the overnight leader following two rounds of play would be able to advance through to the weekend.

The US Open, often regarded as the toughest major to win, would therefore have no definitive number of players that would make the cut. A prime example where the cut rule was not efficient was the 1995 tournament at Oakland Hills, where 108 players from the 156-man field made the weekend.

It wasn’t until 2011 that the USGA made their most significant change to the cut rule, with the adjustments meaning only the top 60 players – including ties – could advance to the final 36 holes.

In 2022, the year of Matt Fitzpatrick’s famous win at the Country Club in Brookline, 71 players made the cut, while 64 made it through to the weekend the year before when Jon Rahm reigned supreme at Torrey Pines.

The USGA’s cut rule differs from the other majors, with the Open Championship and PGA Championship allowing 70 players to compete in the final 36 holes.