FYI Cutline U.S. Open Contestants: 10-Shot Rule NLE

Another victim of slow play? Or technology bringing fields together? Or simply a sign of the times?

The USGA has quietly dropped the rule allowing any golfer within ten shots of the lead to make the cut. From an AP report.

Comments

[gov. lepetomane]

In view of the fact that no one 10 shots off the lead after two rounds has ever won (per the linked article) I don't see this as a biggie. If the USGA outlawed the belly putter it would get my attention. Limiting the cut to the top 60 and ties doesn't.

[No Longer Used to be Former S&T Convert]

Wouldn't it be interesting if "the one that must play on the weekend" were to miss the cut and be within 10 shots this year.

[UselessAir]

You talking about Phil?

[Mark B]

For Da Gov: I guess Lou Graham in 1975, when he came from 11 shots back, made it under the low 60 rule. But *still*.

I don't think this really is a TV issue, it's another manifestation of technology's deskilling effect on the game. Pity.

The R&A went to low 70 back in 1996, in part because in the 1991 Open 113 out of 156 players made the cut. At the time, David Fay came out in favor of the R&A's decision while Judy Bell, then president of the USGA, came out against.

Wonder what changed?

[BrianS]

Wow, this seems to be a pretty huge development to be announced on the day the event starts.

[Ted Mitchell]

BrianS, information about the cut is on the entrant application which was, I believe, published in February (or possibly March).

[golf fan]

I think this is a huge mistake. The "anyone within 10 stroke" rule was something that made the US Open special - different from the PGA Tour. Anyone making the Open could dream of playing on the weekend - isn't this the people's event? Next, they will get rid of the 18 hole playoff and go to a three hole aggregate.

Mike Davis and company appear to be making the USGA another PGA Tour.

[Mark B]

golf fan: TV giveth and TV taketh away. I think as long as the USGA is hungry to max out on money the 18-hole Monday playoff is safe. They push the final round all the way to the limit of darkness, at least when in EDT and CDT zones.

[NoLongerUsedtobeStack&TlitConvert]

Casper wins from 7 back witw 9 to play ....on this course. Go figure. .