Full Breakdown
Notable Players Who Missed the Cut at the 2026 Players Championship
3/15/2026, 10:39:23 AM
Overview of the Players Championship Cut
The 2026 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass concluded its second round with several high-profile players failing to make the cut, which was set at +2. Among the notable names who will not compete over the weekend are Shane Lowry, Harris English, and Ben Griffin, each of whom faced challenges that ultimately led to their early exit from the tournament.
Key Players Missing the Cut
Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open Champion, struggled significantly during the tournament. After starting at even par, he recorded a quadruple bogey on the 18th hole, finishing the round at 4-over par. This performance marked a disappointing end for a player who had previously shown promise at TPC Sawgrass, with five top-20 finishes in ten appearances.
Harris English, ranked 16th in the world, also faced difficulties. He had not missed a cut since the previous year's Arnold Palmer Invitational but ended this tournament at 6-over par, largely due to a quadruple bogey on his final hole. Ben Griffin, who had a strong season last year, fell from 2-under par to 4-over after carding a 78 in the second round, marking a significant decline in his performance.
Other notable players who missed the cut include Kurt Kitayama, Jake Knapp, and Joel Dahmen, each of whom had been performing well in earlier tournaments but could not maintain their momentum at Sawgrass.
Dramatic Cut Day for Top Contenders
While several players faced elimination, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler narrowly avoided missing the cut. McIlroy, who had previously withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to a back injury, finished at 1-over par after a tense round that included a crucial birdie on the final hole. He expressed relief at making the cut, stating, “It would have sucked to be going home this afternoon.”
Scottie Scheffler, the reigning world No. 1, also battled to stay in the tournament. After a shaky performance that saw him drop to the cut line, he managed to secure his place for the weekend with a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing at 1-over par. Scheffler acknowledged the pressure of playing near the cut line, noting, “It’s unlike any other place we play because it’s over or not in one swing.”
Official Statements & Responses
Both McIlroy and Scheffler highlighted the challenges of competing under pressure at TPC Sawgrass. McIlroy remarked on his struggles with putting, stating, “I felt like I played well enough today to be up the leaderboard, I just couldn't get a putt to drop.” Meanwhile, Scheffler's frustration was evident as he battled inconsistent play, which he attributed to timing issues in his game.
Conclusion
The 2026 Players Championship showcased the unpredictable nature of golf, with several top players missing the cut while others, like McIlroy and Scheffler, managed to survive. As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift to those who continue to compete, including leaders Ludvig Åberg and Xander Schauffele, who are poised to challenge for the title.
