Full Breakdown
Big Names Miss Cut at 2026 PGA Championship as Cut Holds at 4-Over
5/16/2026, 9:04:57 AM
Cut Line and Field Overview
The 2026 PGA Championship opened on May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, with a field of 156 players. After 36 holes the cut was set at 4-over par (144). DataGolf projected an 83 % probability that the final cut would remain at 4-over, while tournament officials confirmed the same figure on Friday. The PGA’s rules guarantee at least 70 players a spot in the weekend rounds, but reports differ on the exact number who actually made the cut—some sources list 70-plus, others note the field was reduced to 82 after the cut.
Notable Players Who Missed the Cut
The cut eliminated a slate of high-profile competitors, many of whom are former major champions or top-ranked world players:
- Bryson DeChambeau – +7 (147)
- Tommy Fleetwood – +5 (145)
- Michael Block – +5 (145)
- Akshay Bhatia – +5 (145)
- Robert MacIntyre – +5 (145)
- Viktor Hovland – +6 (150)
- Keegan Bradley – +6 (150)
- Gary Woodland – +6 (150)
- J.J. Spaun – +6 (150)
- Tyrrell Hatton – +6 (150)
- Adam Scott – +8 (152)
- Max Homa – +12 (156)
These players joined a broader group of LIV Golf participants who also fell short, including Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, and Thomas Detry.
Statistical Snapshot
- Cut line: 4-over 144
- Players guaranteed to make cut: 70 (could expand for ties)
- Reported players after cut: 70–74 (official count) vs. 82 (post-cut field size reported by Golfweek)
- Score range of those missing cut: +5 to +12
- Scoring average after round 1: 72.261 (? 2-over)
Player Comments on Conditions
Wind and pin placements were repeatedly cited as factors that amplified difficulty. Jon Rahm, after a 1-under 69 in round 2, remarked, “People thought it would be lower?” highlighting the unexpected challenge. Shane Lowry described the 8th-hole tee as “the wind was like, who knows how far it was playing,” noting that a mis-hit could quickly turn a par-3 into a double-bogey. Michael Block, despite a strong opening round, later acknowledged that “windy conditions and brutal pin locations wrecked havoc on players in the early wave of tee times.”
Official Statements & Responses
Bryson DeChambeau, who missed the cut by three strokes, declined post-round interviews but later told reporters he is “prepared to grow his YouTube channel if LIV Golf folds,” and called potential PGA Tour sanctions “quite unfortunate … considering what I could do for them.” Michael Block told SiriusXM host Jason Sobel that he expects to qualify for future PGA Championships, emphasizing his confidence that this will not be his final appearance.
Criticism and Concerns
Analysts pointed to Aronimink’s narrow fairways, variable wind, and aggressive pin placements as contributors to the unusually high cut line. LIV Golf players faced additional scrutiny, with several commentators noting that the tour’s ongoing legal battles with the PGA Tour may affect player focus and preparation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have to be honest with you — there’s no way on God’s green earth this is my last one,” — Michael Block, PGA professional
- “You're standing on the 8th tee and at the time the wind was like, who knows how far it was playing.” — Shane Lowry, PGA Tour player
- “prepared to grow his YouTube channel” — Bryson DeChambeau, LIV Golf player
- “quite unfortunate … considering what I could do for them.” — Bryson DeChambeau, LIV Golf player
- “People thought it would be lower?” — Jon Rahm, PGA Tour player
What’s Next
The field now looks toward the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in late June, where several of the cut-line survivors, including Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm, will seek to capitalize on the momentum from Aronimink. Players who missed the cut will regroup for upcoming events on the PGA and LIV schedules.
