The 2025 British Open is proving once again why it’s one of golf’s most unforgiving tests — and this year, the cut line came with a brutal line. While the links course always delivers drama, Friday’s cut line shift from a projected +2 to a cold, merciless +1 meant dozens of hopefuls saw their Open dreams collapse in real time.
Only 70 Survive — The Rest Pack Their Bags
With 156 players teeing off at the final major of the year, the Open typically lets more golfers through to the weekend than the Masters or the U.S. Open. But make no mistake — the mercy ends at the cut. And this time, only 70 made it through.
Originally, +2 looked like the magic number. Then the leaderboard tightened, the wind held off, and the R&A made the call: +1 would be the line. That last-minute shift turned Friday into heartbreak for players clinging to the edge.
Star Power Eliminated: Koepka, Morikawa, Smith All Out
The cut didn’t just trim the field, it wiped out some of golf’s most recognizable names. Brooks Koepka is gone after a shocking +7. Collin Morikawa, a former Open champ, also +7. Cam Smith, a disastrous +8 and headed home.
Patrick Reed couldn’t find a spark, finishing at +5, while Patrick Cantlay closed at +3. Jason Day looked safe for a moment, but landed on the wrong side of the line at +2, just a stroke away from survival.
DeChambeau Delivers Friday Heroics
One name who refused to go quietly? Bryson DeChambeau. After a stunning 78 on Thursday, it looked like his Open might be over early. But DeChambeau came storming back with a blistering 65 on Friday, dragging himself back to +1 and punching his ticket to the weekend.
In true Bryson fashion, it was dramatic, bold, and just barely enough. Now, with the big names thinned out and the weekend set, it’s anyone’s game. But one thing is clear — the 2025 British Open isn’t playing favorites.
