We’re monitoring the cut line at the 2026 Open Championship to track which star golfers will miss the cut at the season’s final major.
The biggest name on the chopping block is Rory McIlroy, the two-time defending Masters champion and winner of the 2014 British Open. McIlroy had some incredible bursts in his first round, but some missed short putts saw him enter Round 2 at 2 over par. He last missed the cut at a major at the 2024 Open.
Jordan Spieth, who won The Open when it last came to Royal Birkdale in 2017, shot 3 over in Round 1. World No. 3 Matt Fitzpatrick, No. 8 and U.S. Open champ Wyndham Clark and No. 10 Justin Rose are all up against it as well, along with PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Åberg. Keep scrolling for the latest updates on The Open cut line.
Watch British Open live on Peacock
What is The Open cut line?
As of 8 a.m. Eastern Friday, the cut line at The Open was 1 over. Players with a score of 1-over par or better would qualify for the weekend’s rounds if the current cut line holds. Projections from DataGolf estimate the final cut line will likely be 2 over.
Players to watch on Open Championship cutline
How many players make the cut at the Open Championship?
Of the 156 players who entered the tournament, 70 are guaranteed to make the cut and play this weekend. That number can grow to account for ties. Last year, exactly 70 players made the cut at 1 over.
How to watch British Open 2026
Round 2 of the 2026 British Open broadcasts nationally on NBCSN starting at 1:30 a.m. July 17 before switching to USA Network at 4. Rounds 3 and 4 will start on USA at 5 a.m. July 18 and 4 a.m. July 19 before switching to NBC at 7 a.m. both days. Featured group and hole streaming is available on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s subscription streaming service, throughout the tournament.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Open Championship cut line updates. Will Rory McIlroy miss the cut?
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
