What is the Masters cut? Position Tiger Woods must at least finish to secure record

Woods Eyes Historic Cut Record at Masters: What It Means and How It Works

As Day 1 of the Masters draws to a close, all eyes are on golfing legend Tiger Woods as he seeks to etch his name into the tournament’s history once again. With Bryson DeChambeau leading the pack and Woods sitting at a promising one-under-par, the stage is set for a captivating tournament at Augusta National.

For Woods, the focus isn’t solely on vying for another green jacket or the £2.6 million prize purse; it’s about surpassing a milestone that would solidify his legacy even further. With 23 consecutive appearances at Augusta National, Woods finds himself on the cusp of breaking the record for consecutive cuts made at the Masters, currently shared with Gary Player and Fred Couples.

However, making the cut isn’t just a matter of prestige—it’s a pivotal moment that narrows down the field and sets the stage for the final two rounds. Understanding the cut requires a look at its evolution over the years.

Since its inception in 1957, the cut rules have undergone several revisions, reflecting the evolving nature of the sport. As of 2020, players inside the top 50 (including ties) advance to the weekend rounds, while those outside of this threshold are eliminated. This represents a departure from previous iterations where only the top 44, or even the top 40, qualified for the final rounds.

One notable change occurred between 2013 and 2019, when players within 10 strokes of the leader were also granted entry to the weekend rounds in the event of a close contest. This adjustment aimed to ensure a more competitive field heading into the final stretch of the tournament.

For Woods, the path to breaking the cut record seems within reach, especially if he maintains his momentum into Day 2. However, with the unpredictable nature of golf, nothing is guaranteed, and Woods will need to stay focused to secure his spot for the weekend.

Reflecting on his chances, Woods remains optimistic, expressing confidence in his ability to make history once again. Last year’s close call serves as a reminder of the challenges he faces, but with determination and skill, Woods is poised to continue his remarkable streak at Augusta National.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Woods as he strives to cement his place in golfing lore, one cut at a time.