Masters Cut Line 2026 Projections After Thursday's Leaderboard Analysis

Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy stood tied atop the leaderboard at five-under-par 67 following the first round of the 2026 Masters on Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club.

Meanwhile, several players are looking to stay above the cut line on Friday as the top 50 golfers will advance to the weekend.

The 2025 cut line was two-over par, while the 2024 cut line was at six-over par.

Although the 2026 cut line won't be determined until players wrap up Friday's second round, a score of four-over par has players in a tie for the No. 56 spot on the leaderboard.

The cut line will be projected at plus-three.

Here are a few notable players that are in danger of missing the cut ahead of the second round:

• Collin Morikawa, +2
• Matt Fitzpatrick, +2
• Ludvig Åberg, +2
• Viktor Hovland, +3
• Michael Kim, +3
• Corey Conners, +3
• Si Woo Kim, +3
• Bryson DeChambeau, +4
• Bubba Watson, +4
• Sungjae Im, +4

McIlroy wrapped up a memorable Masters win in 2025 and is off to a strong start as he pursues a second consecutive green jacket victory.

While he only hit five of 14 fairways on Thursday, he closed out the round on a high note. McIlroy finished with six birdies, including three consecutive birdies from hole No. 13 through No. 15.

Burns started his first round strong and never looked back, as his impressive performance was highlighted by a 392-yard drive that set up an eagle putt on hole No. 2.

Kurt Kitayama, Jason Day and Patrick Reed all sit just two shots back from McIlroy and Burns heading into Friday.