Q&A → Masters Cut Line History
Masters Cut Line History | Augusta National Cut Scores by Year
Masters Cut Scores by Year (Recent History)
| Year | Cut Score | Total (Strokes) | Winner | Winning Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +3 | 147 | Rory McIlroy | -13 |
| 2024 | +4 | 148 | Scottie Scheffler | -11 |
| 2023 | +3 | 147 | Jon Rahm | -12 |
| 2022 | +1 | 145 | Scottie Scheffler | -10 |
| 2021 | +5 | 149 | Hideki Matsuyama | -10 |
| 2020 | +3 | 147 | Dustin Johnson | -20 |
| 2019 | +3 | 147 | Tiger Woods | -13 |
| 2018 | +4 | 148 | Patrick Reed | -15 |
| 2017 | +4 | 148 | Sergio Garcia | -9 |
| 2016 | +4 | 148 | Danny Willett | -5 |
| 2015 | +4 | 148 | Jordan Spieth | -18 |
| 2014 | +1 | 145 | Bubba Watson | -8 |
| Average (2014–2025) | +3.1 | 147.1 | Typical range: +1 to +5 | |
How the Masters Cut Works
The Masters Tournament uses a top 50 and ties format for its cut after 36 holes (Friday's second round). This means all players at the score of the 50th-place player or better advance to play rounds 3 and 4 on the weekend. If multiple players are tied for 50th place, all of them advance — which is why the cut sometimes lets through 52, 54, or more players.
Unlike the US Open and The Open Championship, which use a fixed number (typically top 60 and ties), the Masters has traditionally been seen as more selective in its field construction — meaning fewer players start the event and the percentage who make the cut can be higher.
What Affects the Masters Cut Score?
Several factors drive whether the Masters cut line ends up at +1 or +6 in a given year:
- Weather: Cold, wet spring weather slows Augusta's notoriously fast greens and makes the course more accessible. Warm, dry conditions harden the surfaces and create more treacherous pin positions. Wind — particularly out of the east — makes the back nine exceptionally difficult.
- Green speeds: Augusta National's greens are among the fastest on any course in the world during Masters week. Year to year, the club adjusts stimpmeter speeds based on conditions. Faster greens push scores higher.
- Pin positions: Augusta National's tournament committee sets exceptionally difficult hole locations for the Masters, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. During the first two rounds, some challenging positions can already push scores up.
- Field strength: The Masters invites roughly 88–96 players, all of them elite. The concentration of elite talent means scores cluster more tightly than a typical Tour event, and the cut line doesn't diverge as dramatically from the leader as at other events.
- Amen Corner: Holes 11, 12, and 13 are universally considered the most pressure-packed stretch in major championship golf. A double bogey at the par-3 12th — with Rae's Creek in front of the green — has ended many players' weekends before the Friday cut.
Notable Masters Cut Misses
Because the Masters field is so strong and the course so demanding, even great players regularly miss the cut at Augusta National. Some of the most notable cut misses in recent memory include:
- Rory McIlroy (2011): McIlroy's collapse from the lead (shooting 80) remains one of the most painful cut-adjacent rounds in Masters history, though he technically finished — just outside contention.
- Multiple former champions receive lifetime invitations but eventually age to the point where the course becomes too demanding for competitive scoring.
- Tiger Woods' physical decline meant his post-injury appearances at Augusta frequently put him in danger of missing the cut before his health recovered sufficiently to contend.
The 2025 Masters Cut
At the 2025 Masters Tournament, the cut line fell at +3 (147 total) after two rounds at Augusta National. The spring conditions were firm and fast, with significant wind on Friday elevating scores across the field.
Rory McIlroy made the cut comfortably in 2025, positioning himself well for the weekend before his historic final-round run to claim the green jacket and complete the Career Grand Slam at -13. His victory was the emotional capstone of a career defined by excellence in three of the four majors — and finally, his long-awaited Masters triumph.
Masters vs Other Majors: Cut Format Comparison
| Major | Cut Format | Typical Field Size |
|---|---|---|
| The Masters | Top 50 and ties | ~90 |
| US Open | Top 60 and ties | 156 |
| The Open Championship | Top 70 and ties, then top 35 and ties after R3 | 156 |
| PGA Championship | Top 70 and ties | 156 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Masters cut line?
The Masters cut is made after 36 holes, with the top 50 and ties advancing to the weekend. Unlike other majors, the Masters uses a smaller, invitation-only field, making the cut format unique.
What was the 2025 Masters cut score?
The 2025 Masters cut line fell at +3 (147 total). Rory McIlroy made the cut and went on to win the tournament at -13, completing his Career Grand Slam.
What is the average Masters cut score?
The average Masters cut score from 2014–2025 is approximately +3 (147 total), with a typical range of +1 to +5 depending on conditions.
Has the Masters ever had a cut at even par?
Yes. In years with favorable weather conditions and softer course setup, the Masters cut can fall at or below even par. This is relatively rare — Augusta National's difficulty typically keeps the cut line at over par.