The top of the Masters leaderboard is fun. A lot of fun.
You have Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Patrick Reed, and Tommy Fleetwood contending for the first major championship of the year at Augusta National.
This is a tournament that provides drama regularly. This was never clearer in 2025 when McIlroy beat Rose in a playoff, after a most dramatic final round, to finally secure the career grand slam.
But while these players can dream of major glory, there are some players that can’t – not this year, anyway. And they aren’t just any old players, but top stars who you would think had a great chance of winning April’s major.
With the cut projected at +4 at the 2026 Masters, the Masters cut rules say that the top 50 players and ties on the leaderboard will qualify to play over the weekend.
Here is who hasn’t made it…
ALSO: Why do caddies wear white jumpsuits at the Masters?
ALSO: Who are the most famous Augusta National members?
J.J. Spaun +5
J.J. Spaun might’ve bagged the Valero Texas Open title last week to hit form immediately before the Masters, but this hasn’t carried over into this week.
A 74 followed by a 75 means the reigning US Open champion is done down Magnolia Lane, this year at least.
Bryson DeChambeau +6
Bryson DeChambeau could par the final hole and sneak into the weekend. Heck, he could’ve made a bogey and still had a tee time on Saturday. Bunker trouble on the 18th hole led to a triple bogey and a 74.
Entering the week in great form and as one of the pre-tournament favourites, DeChambeau must now wait another 12 months to have another tilt at winning a Green Jacket.
Cameron Smith +7
Another major, and another occasion where we have seen an unrecognisable Cam Smith miss a cut at a major. Since winning The Open in 2022, he has made three top-10 major finishes, and staggeringly, he has missed his last six cuts in the majors.
Advertisement
He was 2-over after Thursday at Augusta, then a 77 in the second round meant he missed the weekend.
ALSO: The Masters weather forecast
ALSO: How to qualify for the Masters
Bob MacIntyre +7
It has been a week to forget in more ways than one for Bob MacIntyre at the 2026 Masters. After shooting 80 in round one, he was reportedly reprimanded by Augusta National for his sweary beahviour during the day.
He might’ve improved with a 71 on Friday, but he has missed the weekend at the Masters like he did in 2025.
NOW READ: How many make the cut at the Masters?
NOW READ: Masters scorecard: Breaking down every hole at Augusta
Follow NCG on X!
