U.S. Open cut line 2026: Projected cut, rules, updates for Friday's leaderboard

The 2026 U.S. Open is expected to be a battle of attrition, as Shinnecock Hills offers a unique challenge to the best in the world. As a result, making the cut is an accomplishment in of itself.

With heavy winds expected throughout the week, no player is truly safe from the cut line until the round is over. A key this week will be avoiding big numbers on a single hole, as one bad stretch of golf can be the difference between being in contention and missing out on the weekend entirely.

The cut line at the U.S. Open depends on how the leaderboard falls throughout the first two rounds, and it will be fluid as players continue to play the tournament. After 36 holes, a significant portion of the field will be cut from the event and sent home early.

Here's an updated look at the cut line for the 2026 U.S. Open.

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What is the cut line for 2026 U.S. Open?

• Projected cut line: +1:
• Players inside cut line: 72

It is still very early in the U.S. Open, as the top 60 players on the leaderboard are all within shouting distance of the lead. In fact, there are currently over 30 players tied with a score of +1, which is why the cut line is so close to the leader.

MORE: Complete list of U.S. Open winners by year

Players in danger of missing the U.S. Open cut

The biggest name in danger of missing the cut is Scottie Scheffler, who had a disappointing 72 on Thursday. Here's a look at the biggest names currently on the wrong side of the leaderboard.

• Scottie Scheffler (+2)
• Cameron Young (+2)
• Justin Thomas (+2)
• Viktor Hovland (+2)
• Brooks Koepka (+3)
• Tyrrell Hatton (+4)
• Cameron Smith (+5)
• Chris Gotterup (+5)
• J.J. Spaun (+7)

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U.S. Open cut rules

The U.S. Open sets its cut line at the top 60 players and ties after the first two rounds. If there are more than 60 players who are tied for 60th-or-better on the leaderboard, then all of those players will make it to the weekend.

This major's cut rules are harsher in many ways than the other three majors. The Masters only has 50 players make the cut, but that tournament has the smallest field of around 100 players. The PGA Championship and the British Open, meanwhile, both have 70 players make the cut.

How many golfers make the cut at the U.S. Open?

At least 60 golfers will make the cut, but it will likely be more after two rounds. Any golfer within the top 60 at the leaderboard will make the weekend, including ties, so the overall number is usually in the mid-60s.

U.S. Open leaderboard 2026

Click here to view the latest U.S. Open leaderboard.