US Open cut rules: How the cut line is determined

The US Open is one of the most coveted prizes in all of golf. So, how is the cut line determined?

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.

But 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…

• Every LIV golfer in the 2025 US Open

• US Open 2025: The full field at Oakmont

The history of the US Open cut

The USGA, tournament organisers of the third men’s major of the year, first introduced a cut rule to America’s national championship in 1965.

At that time, the championship was increased from a three-day event to a full four-day spectacle, as we see today.

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

The US Open, often regarded as the toughest major to win and the most brutal test in the pro game, 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, then, that the USGA made their most significant change to the cut rule. That leads us to 2025 and Oakmont, so how many players will make the cut?

• US Open: When and where to watch on TV

• US Open: The full list of future venues

US Open cut rules

The most recent adjustment ensures that only the top 60 players – including ties – 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.

Meanwhile, a total of 65 players made the cut at LA Country Club in 2023, where Wyndham Clark won, before 74 players made the cut at Pinehurst No.2 last year.

The US Open cut rule also differs from the other majors. At The Open Championship and the PGA Championship, the top 70 players are allowed to contest the final 36 holes.

And, of course, only the top 50 and ties make the cut at The Masters.

For now, you can click here to see which players are in danger of missing the cut at the 2025 US Open…