The PGA’s new cut line is causing some controversy after just one tournament. In an effort to speed up play on the weekends, the PGA instituted a new parameter when they judge a cut line for a tournament. Basically, the new system tries to keep the number of players as close to 70 as possible.

From the PGA Tour Policy Board:

The top 70 and ties make the cut. But if the cut exceeds 78 players, only the number nearest to 70 continues in the tournament.

At the Sony Open, there were 87 golfers in the top 70 with ties. The next lowest score, one under, left 69 golfers for weekend play. Thus, 18 players at even par were part of the second cut. The affected players get credit for making the cut (prize money and FedEx Cup points) but they do not get the opportunity to improve their standing and bottom line.

There were some big names in the 18 players at the Sony Open were considered MDF, made the cut, did not finish. Notably John Daly, Angel Cabrera, Charles Howell III, John Houston and rookie of the year Brandt Snedeker. Maybe the odds are that many of the MDFers would not climb into the top 10 or 25, probably not even the top 50.

But, shouldn’t they have the chance?

Jim Furyk said, “I think it stinks.” He would prefer something consistent like the hard number week in and week out. As the year progresses, if the new system is utilized more, players will start to speak out, particularly when the FedEx Cup point race tightens. Also, in the Fall as players are trying to keep their card. So, for now, all we have to go on were John Daly’s words, “I think it’s crazy. It’s a stupid rule, I’m sorry.”