What is the cut rule for the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink?

The cut line at the 2026 PGA Championship will fall after Friday’s second round at Aronimink Golf Club, with only the top 70 players and ties advancing to the weekend.

It marks the first time since 1962 that Aronimink has staged a major championship, and the demanding Pennsylvania layout has already caused problems for some of golf’s biggest names.

A full field of 156 players teed it up for the 108th PGA Championship on Thursday, but by close of play on Friday nearly half of the players will be heading home. 

Projected cut line at the 2026 PGA Championship

After Thursday’s opening round, the projected cut line sat at two-over par.

Despite not stretching to the extreme yardages often associated with recent PGA Championship venues, Aronimink has still proved a stern test for the world's best players. 

Thick rough, firm greens and difficult approach shots have so far punished mistakes in the tournament. 

The course is only likely to get tougher as the week progresses too. 

Several superstar names already find themselves in danger early on, none more so than six-time major champion Rory McIlroy, who opened with a four-over par, and two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau, who began with a six-over par. 

Both McIlroy and DeChambeau are well adrift of the top of the leaderboard as things stand.

World number one and defending champion Scottie Scheffler is in a seven-way tie for the lead on three-under par.

It marks the first time in Scheffler's major career that he holds either the lead or a share of the lead after the first round. 

Not only are McIlroy and DeChambeau a long way back of the leaders, but they also face a stiff task now just to be around for the weekend. 

Pending weather conditions, both players will need to break par on Friday to give themselves a chance of making the cut. 

Other notable names in a battle to make the weekend include European Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Aberg (two-over par) and Viktor Hovland (four-over par). 

PGA Championship cut rule explained

The PGA Championship uses one of the more generous cut rules among golf’s four majors.

After 36 holes, the top 70 players and ties qualify for the final two rounds. 

That figure matches The Open and is larger than the cut at both the Masters and U.S. Open. 

The Masters allows the top 50 players and ties through, while the U.S. Open keeps the top 60 and ties.

Regular PGA Tour events usually feature a smaller cut of the top 65 players and ties, but the PGA Championship expands the number slightly due to the strength and size of the major championship field.

GolfMagic has listed the full set of Friday's second round tee times at the 2026 PGA Championship below. 

2026 PGA Championship: Round 2 Tee Times - Friday 15 May