The 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National is proving to be an exhilarating showcase of golf, with the cut line drawing significant attention as players vie for a coveted spot in the weekend rounds. As of Friday, April 11, the cut was set at 2-over par, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the 95 competitors.
This year's cut rule stipulates that only the top 50 players and ties advance to the weekend, a change that has tightened the competition significantly since the tournament's inception. Historically, from 1934 to 1956, there was no cut at all, allowing every player to compete in all four rounds. The introduction of a cut in 1957 allowed the top 40 players and ties to progress, along with anyone within 10 shots of the lead. However, by 2021, the 10-shot rule was scrapped, leaving only the top 50 players and ties to move forward, making every shot in the early rounds critically important.
Among the players who have successfully navigated this challenging cut is Bryson DeChambeau, who currently sits in second place at 7-under par. Just one stroke behind the leader, Justin Rose, who holds the top spot at 8-under, DeChambeau's performance has been a highlight of the tournament thus far. He is joined by fellow LIV Golf members Tyrrell Hatton, who is tied for fifth place at 5-under, and Patrick Reed, who is also making waves at 3-under.
The presence of LIV Golf players in the Masters has stirred considerable interest, with a total of 12 players from the controversial tour making the field this year. As the weekend approaches, seven of them have made it through the cut, showcasing a combined five Masters titles among them. This includes notable names like Bubba Watson and Jon Rahm, who fought through a rocky start in the first round. Rahm, who began with five bogeys on Thursday, managed to recover and shot a 1-under in the second round, landing at 2-over for the tournament and just making the cut.
On the flip side, this year's tournament has seen some high-profile misses. Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion, missed the cut for the first time since 2016, marking a significant moment in his storied career. With 28 cuts made in 32 career starts at the Masters, Mickelson's absence from the weekend rounds is a notable upset. Joining him in the missed cut category are other prominent players including Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Cameron Smith, and Brooks Koepka, all of whom failed to meet the 2-over mark.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement is palpable, especially with the live coverage set to continue through the weekend. CBS will broadcast the third and fourth rounds, allowing fans to follow every swing and putt. Streaming options are also available on Masters.com and the Masters App, providing various feeds for featured groups and holes at Augusta National.
With the cut line having such a profound impact on the tournament dynamics, every player knows that the pressure is on. The Masters is not just about skill; it's about strategy, mental fortitude, and the ability to perform under pressure. For the players who advance, the weekend offers a chance to not only compete for the green jacket but also to solidify their legacies in the sport.
As the tournament unfolds, fans are eager to see how the remaining LIV golfers fare against the fierce competition and whether any of them can claim victory at Augusta. With DeChambeau and Hatton in strong positions, the stage is set for an exciting finish. The Masters continues to be golf's ultimate test, where history is made, and legends are born.
As we look forward to the weekend rounds, the anticipation builds. Will Bryson DeChambeau clinch his first green jacket, or will another player rise to the occasion? One thing is certain: the Masters never fails to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments on the golf course.
