At the U.S. Open golf championship, the cut rule lets the top 60 players and ties advance after 36 holes.

This strict standard from the USGA typically eliminates more than half of the 156-player starting field, ramping up the pressure on one of golf's toughest tests. Unlike other majors like the PGA or Open (top 70 and ties), there's no 10-shot rule here to protect higher starters—pure performance decides weekend contention.

Cut Rule Breakdown

  • Top 60 + ties : Anyone tied for 60th plays the final rounds; this can push the number to 70+ if scores cluster tightly.
  • Field size : Starts with 156 via exemptions and qualifiers, cut to weekend warriors only—no second cut before Sunday.
  • Historical range : Low end around 65 (like 2023's 65 or 2025 Oakmont), high of 108 in 1996 at Oakland Hills when conditions softened.

Recent Examples

In 2025 at Oakmont's brutal layout, the cut line hit around +5 to +6, sending home big names like Justin Thomas (+12) while 70-ish advanced amid ties. Last year's Pinehurst saw 74 make it at +5, normal for U.S. Open grind where pars feel like birdies. Imagine the drama: stars clawing just inside, others missing by a putt—pure theater that defines the event.

Why It Matters

This cut fuels narratives of resilience or heartbreak, spotlighting underdogs while weeding out the weak on punishing courses like Oakmont or Pinehurst. Fans track live leaderboards feverishly, betting on who threads the needle. No leniency keeps the championship's edge sharp.

TL;DR: Top 60 and ties from 156 make the U.S. Open cut—often 65-75 players, varying by ties and course brutality.

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