The prestigious US Open returns to the legendary Pinehurst No. 2 course in June, marking the course's fourth time hosting the national championship. Payne Stewart (1999), Michael Campbell (2005), and Martin Kaymer (2014) all secured victories at Pinehurst in past US Opens. The course is even slated to host the event again in 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047, solidifying its place as a US Open favourite.
The USGA prides itself on the US Open being the most accessible major championship in golf. This year, over 10,000 professional and highly skilled amateur golfers (with a handicap index of 0.4 or lower) entered the qualifying process. Roughly half the spots in the 156-player field are determined through qualifiers.
The USGA recently concluded its local qualifying events, with players advancing to compete in final qualifiers held across 13 locations worldwide. The remaining spots are filled through various exemptions, with 84 confirmed players. Defending champion Wyndham Clark and Tiger Woods (awarded a special exemption) are secured. Additional exemptions will be awarded in the coming weeks, including those based on world ranking and the NCAA champion.
Read More : US Open Course
US Open cut line
The US Open utilises a cut line after 36 holes (two rounds) to manage the large field of golfers (typically around 156 players). This ensures only the top performers continue competing for the championship title.
Here's a breakdown of the cut line:
Number of Players Advancing: Only the top 60 players and ties surpass the cut. This keeps the competition focused and intense in the final two rounds.
Pressure to Perform: The cut adds significant pressure, especially for players who haven't performed well in the first two rounds. They need to score well to avoid being eliminated from contention.
Know More : How many rounds are in US Open golf?
Past winners of the US Open
2024: Winner to be determined (Tournament held June 10th-16th)
2023: Wyndham Clark (USA)
2022: Matt Fitzpatrick (England)
2021: Jon Rahm (Spain)
2020: Bryson DeChambeau (USA)
2019: Gary Woodland (USA)
2018: Brooks Koepka (USA)
2017: Brooks Koepka (USA)
2016: Dustin Johnson (USA)
2015: Jordan Spieth (USA)
Know More : Pinehurst Resort Holes
FAQ's On US Open Cut Line
A. The US Open cut line refers to the minimum score a golfer needs to achieve after 36 holes (two rounds) to advance to the tournament's final two rounds.
A. Only the top 60 players and ties surpass the cut line at the US Open. This ensures a smaller, more manageable group competes for the championship title in the final two rounds.
A. Unfortunately, players who fail to score low enough to reach the cut line are eliminated from the US Open. They do not participate in the remaining rounds and are not eligible to win the championship.
A. No, the cut line isn't predetermined. It's established based on the performance of the entire field after 36 holes. The leading score after two rounds sets the benchmark, and any player within a certain number of strokes (typically 10 strokes over the leader) advances.
