Missing the cut is perhaps one of the worst things that can happen to a professional golfer.
Having spent hours and hours on the range, the practice greens and in the gym working on their game, undoing all that preparation to miss the cut at a Major championship can be devastating.
Rory McIlroy missed the cut at the 2023 Masters and the pain was visible on his face, with the Northern Irishman walking straight into the clubhouse after his dismal second round, refusing to speak to the media following the event.
Justin Thomas was also seen breaking into tears as he stood on the 18th green during his second round at Augusta National, knowing he too had failed to make the cut.
Justin Thomas (left) misses the cut at the 2023 Masters.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While it is a blemish on their season’s stats, missing the cut also means they fall out of contention to win the tournament, losing their chance to cement themselves in golf folklore as one of the few players who have won one of golf’s men’s Majors.
The cut is one of the most unique aspects of a professional golf tournament. It’s rare to see a similar procedure in operation in other sports and it can put a lot of pressure on those participating at the men’s Majors.
Usually the cut will see around 50-60 players be removed from the field, with the top half going on to fight it out to win the tournament.
And making the cut can be a very difficult task in itself. We saw how Tiger Woods toiled with the elements at the 2023 Masters to narrowly make it through to the weekend by the skin of his teeth.
Tiger Woods (left) makes the cut at the 2023 Masters.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
One measure of success for many golfers is how many cuts they make throughout their careers, and while getting through to the weekend may not always guarantee you a prize, it certainly does show consistency and an ability to rise above the pressure to put yourself in contention.
So which golfers have made the most cuts at Major championships?
While it’s hard enough to secure a spot in the field at the PGA Championship, the Masters, the US Open and the Open in the first instance, getting into the weekend is even tougher.
Phil Mickelson knows all about that, having joined an illustrious trio of players to make 100 cuts at Major championships, following his T58 finish at the 2023 PGA Championship.
Phil Mickelson (middle) ahead of the 2023 US Open.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
For context, Tiger Woods has made 77 cuts in 91…
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