If you want to be successful on the golf course you’d better know the rules so you can use them to your advantage. Today we’ll tell you a little bit about the 10-shot rule and its role in tournament play.
Don’t Fall Behind The Cut
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What is it?
The 10-shot rule, also called the 10-stroke rule, is a rule that applies to who gets cut and who moves on to the next round and tournaments. When the 10-shot rule is in effect, it means that golfers who are within 10 strokes of the lead at the time the cut is made advance to the next round.
History of the 10-Shot Rule
Introduced in 1962, the 10 shot rule gained popularity and different tournaments, most notably the master’s tournament. The rule was implemented based on the presumption that any player within 10 shots of the lead was still in a position to challenge for the lead.
The Masters was the last of the majors to use the 10-shot rule but they did away with it in 2020. Limited resources, time, and space on the course convinced officials that the rule caused too many complications to justify its continuation.
The 10 Shot Rule Today
Today, the 10-stroke rule isn’t as common. Very few pro golf tournaments still use the 10-shot rule–not all of them even have a cut. Without a cut, the 10-shot rule is irrelevant.
The master’s tournament takes the top 50. The U.S. Open cut rule, for example, is Top 60 plus ties make the cut, and that’s it. Most standard PGA tours also don’t use the 10 shot rule.
Should I Play The 10-shot Rule?
While major tournaments no longer recognize the 10-shot rule, you’re welcome to draw on it to get an edge while playing with friends or in local club tournaments. While some argue it’s a thing of the past, it can be a fun way to even out the playing field, especially if you can clutch up in the final rounds!
