PGA TOUR to review new cut policy next month

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SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The PGA TOUR debated for several years whether to reduce the number of players on the weekend. Less than a month into the new policy that has caused such consternation, it's about to be reviewed.

The new policy, approved by the board in November, allows for the top 70 and ties to make the cut, the way it has been since 1969. But if that results in more than 78 players, then the closest number to 60 advance to the weekend, and the rest go home with last-place money.

Eighteen players were lopped off at the Sony Open. Two weeks later at the Buick Invitational, 19 players got tagged with "MDF," which is short for "Made the cut, did not finish."

That's 37 players in two weeks, although no one has been MDF twice.

PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem has heard enough complaints that he said the Player Advisory Council will meet at the Northern Trust Open next month to give it a closer look.

"The players I've heard from are generally upset with any reduction of guys playing on the weekend," Finchem said. "On the other hand, a lot of guys don't like it, but would be in favor of something else."

When the PAC met last fall, it discussed top 65 or top 60 and ties, or perhaps a Saturday cut for the top 70 and ties. Even if 85 players made the cut on Friday, that number likely would be reduced going into the final round.

In both tournaments this year, someone who made the "playing cut" on the number wound up in the top 10. Parker McLachlin tied for 10th at the Sony Open, and Justin Leonard was fifth at Torrey Pines.

Finchem said it was possible to amend the policy, but he offered no predictions.

"What I said to the PAC was there's a lot of interest in this, we ought to have a thorough discussion the week of L.A. and made sure we're looking at all possible alternatives," Finchem said. "I wouldn't predict we would change anything."