The Open 2025: Shock Exits! Big Names Face Early Departure!
Royal Portrush is proving to be a stern test for some of golf's biggest names at The 153rd Open Championship. As the second round progresses, the projected cut line is beginning to take shape, and several prominent players are facing the prospect of an early exit from Northern Ireland.
Projected Cut Line: A Nail-Biter
As of this morning, DataGolf projects the cut at 2-over par, with a 74% likelihood. However, there's still a significant 24% chance that it could shift to 1-over as the second round unfolds. This leaves many players on the bubble, anxiously watching the leaderboard.
Notable Names in Danger
Adam Scott, despite a strong showing at the U.S. Open and a T10 finish at last year’s Open, is struggling. A second-round 79 has put him in a precarious position. The Australian veteran needs a strong finish to his FedExCup season to maintain his impressive streak of consecutive major starts. He's aiming to reach 100 straight majors at next year’s U.S. Open, but that goal is now in jeopardy.
Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open Champion at St. Andrews, is also facing a weekend off. Smith struggled early on Friday and is currently around 8-over par. His performance is a stark contrast to his winning form just a few years ago.
Sahith Theegala's struggles in major championships continue. After an opening-round 71, he followed it up with a 74 and appears set to miss the cut once again. A lingering neck injury has plagued Theegala throughout the season, impacting his performance.
Min Woo Lee, the Texas Children’s Houston Open winner, will also be watching the weekend action from home. Rounds of 74-73 mean he will miss the cut in three of the four majors this year. His only made cut came at the Masters, where he finished 49th.
Spieth's Consistency Shines
Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth continues to impress with his consistency. Despite his quirky mannerisms and constant conversations with his ball, the 2017 champion is heading into the weekend at level-par. This marks his 12th consecutive cut made at The Open, with nine of his last starts resulting in top-30 finishes. It's a remarkable record of consistency in major championships.
McIlroy and Scheffler in the Hunt
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are among the frontrunners challenging for victory at Royal Portrush. The final men's major of the year promises to be an exciting contest, with several players vying for the coveted Claret Jug.