What is the Masters cut? Position Tiger Woods must at least finish to secure record

Tiger Woods can set a new Masters record if he makes the cut at Augusta National, but his disrupted first round could either make or break the rest of his tournament

Day 1 of the Masters has now officially concluded, with Bryson DeChambeau leading tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler by one stroke after finishing the round seven-under-par.

The 89 golfers at Augusta National will all be looking to achieve a famous win at the iconic major, and secure the priceless green jacket on top of the £2.6 million in prize money. For Tiger Woods, five-time winner, he's just focusing on making the cut at this early stage, eager to make history.

The golfing icon has made the cut in 23 consecutive appearances at Augusta National, tied with three-time champion Gary Player and 1992 winner Fred Couples. Should Woods advance to Day 3 he will break the record, and he's made a good start.

Woods is currently one-under-par and is tied 15th, although with his first round cut short due to a weather delay he will resume on Friday morning. Woods will be aware that any mistake could see him fall below the cut and forfeit the lone record. But what is the cut? Here Mirror Sport explains which players advance to the final rounds and why.

READ MORE: Bryson DeChambeau finally backs up controversial masters comments after silencing LIV Golf critics
READ MORE: Danny Willett cracks perfect response after rolling back the years at the Masters

The cut simply narrows down the field as the tournament enters the final two rounds, which take place on Saturday and Sunday. The rules have changed over the years, with alterations being made on four occasions since it was first implemented in 1957.

As of 2020, the golfers inside the top 50 (including ties) qualify for the final two rounds while any player that falls outside of that is eliminated. Between 2013-2019 the same rules applied, but in the event of a close contest all players within 10 strokes of the leader also advanced to the final 36 holes.

From 1962-2012 only the top 44 and those within 10 strokes made it to the final two rounds. This was increased from the original cut rules back in 1957-1961 where any player outside of the top 40 (including ties) was eliminated from the competition.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

Woods will almost certainly make the cut if he enjoys another sharp run on Day 2, although currently all players two-over-par will be eliminated. Woods will have to complete his first round before starting round two, but the extra golf could boost the five-time winner.

"If everything comes together, I think I can get one more," Woods said earlier in the week when asked about setting a new record. Woods almost missed the cut last year, but managed to slog his way to round three by a single stroke.

He withdrew before resuming play on Sunday last year, which ended his streak of completing all 72 holes of every tournament he had played at Augusta National as a professional. He lost his streak last year, but he will be determined to continue his record streak on Friday.

Bet £10 on the 2024 US Masters and get £30 in Free Bets* – T&Cs Apply