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How the Open Championship cut line is determined

Open Championship 2026: Round 2, early highlights
Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns provided plenty of highlights early at Royal Birkdale. Here's a look at the best moments from their second rounds at the 154th Open Championship.

A field of 156 players are competing for the claret jug at Royal Birkdale, site of this year’s Open Championship. Here’s how the cut line works in the men’s final major of the season (click here for more information in our Open 101):

  • After 36 holes, the low 70 players and ties will advance to compete in the final two rounds. Anyone finishing worse than that will get the boot. Only those making the cut earn official money from the $17,750,000 million purse.
  • There is no 10-shot rule. That rule means anyone within 10 shots of the lead after two rounds, regardless of where they stand in the championship, makes the cut. It’s just a flat top 70 finishers and ties.
  • There is only a single cut at The Open Championship. There is no secondary cut after the third round.
Image for The 154th Open - Round 2
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The second round of The 154th Open is underway at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England.