The Masters: What is the projected cut at Augusta National?

While the green jacket is the ultimate goal of anyone who steps foot on the tee at The Masters, for the chosen amateurs and veterans taking part, simply making the cut is an accomplishment to be admired.

With its smaller field and emphasis on exacting golf, to make the cut at The Masters is an accomplishment many players can retire happy having achieved. 

Of course, whether one is in contention or not, it also unlocks the tantalising chance to play Augusta with the patrons at full fervour as Sunday's play arrives.

So how does the cut work at Augusta National, and where might the line be this year? Here's what you need to know.

What is the cut at The Masters?

The cut line at any golf tournament is the stage after the second day of play in which the field is whittled down to those considered within a chance of winning. 

Most PGA Tour events cut the field down to the top 65 players and those tied with the cut line, however with The Masters' smaller 91-player field, at Augusta this number is brought down to the top 50 and ties.

Last year's cut line was 146 (+2). The average historical cut across all Masters tournaments is 148.41, equivalent to around +4. 

The highest cut was 154 (+10) in 1982, a tournament notorious for its harsh weather conditions on Thursday and Friday, while soft Autumn conditions at 2020's Covid-affected November Masters led to a cut line of an even-par 144.

What is the projected cut line at the 2026 Masters?

As of the close of day one, the cut line rests at 149 (+3), however firm and fast conditions at Augusta could see this number rise. 

The projected cut line will change over the course of the day, but Sky Sports' Dame Laura Davies predicted this could go up to around 151 (+5) or even higher.

Who's in danger of missing the cut this year?

Day one of the 2026 Masters has already seen a number of high-profile players leave themselves at risk of missing the cut. 

LIV stars Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are the two highest-ranked pre-tournament favourites in danger of missing out on the weekend action. 

Both sit below the current cut line having carded opening round scores of +6 and +4 respectively. World number eight Robert MacIntyre also endured a frustrating day, with a round of +8 leaving his Green Jacket hopes for this year in tatters.

Here's how the leaderboard looked following the conclusion of play on Thursday. 

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