Cut policy set to be spliced

Last week 18 players appeared to make the cut at the Sony Open in Hawaii, were then paid for making the cut but didn't play another shot in the tournament. The reason for this is the newly-introduced, and seemingly ludicrous, MDF status next to the player's name.

MDF (somehow) stands for "Made Cut, Did Not Finish" and has been brought into use this year to have as near to 70 players competing at the weekend. If more than 78 'make the cut' then that number is trimmed so, in Hawaii, 18 of the field, including Angel Cabrera (pictured), were paid a share of last place earnings and played no further part in the tournament.

Needless to say the ruling has not been met with universal acclaim and the last two American Ryder Cup captains have already made their feelings known.

Paul Azinger said: “I think the Tour should change the rule immediately. This has an impact on the Ryder Cup and an impact on the FedEx Cup. They’re going to pay you not to play. I think that’s awful.”

K Club skipper Tom Lehman was equally dismissive, adding: "Overall, I think it’s simply unfortunate is the best way I can say it. I understand why they chose to do it, but I’ve never been a promoter of doing something because it’s easier. Let’s not err on the side of convenience. We should be maximizing a player’s ability to make a living and move up in the game.

“I think this looks bad, and we should find a way to change it. There are ways of getting things done with a vote of the players. There’s a way to make it happen. Things can be changed.”

The ruling was brought in last November but do not expect to see it enjoy too long a run. On the Saturday in Hawaii an unidentified player left a petition, using the back of a paper place mat, with the question: Are you in favour of the current cut policy?

Not one player added their name to the column marked 'yes'. Expect to see a very quick reversal by the PGA Tour.

By Mark Townsend