“Notable names that failed to qualify for the 2026 Masters.”

The cut at the 2026 Masters left some prominent names out of the weekend at Augusta National, in an unexpected and dramatic conclusion to the 90th edition of the tournament. The initial field of 91 players was reduced to just 54 after two intense rounds, with the cut line set at four strokes over par, in a battle against a fast and tough course that did not forgive mistakes.

Among the major surprises was J.J. Spaun, the 2025 U.S. Open champion and recent winner of the Valero Texas Open, who missed the weekend by just one stroke after a second day marked by five bogeys and a late effort with two birdies in the last three holes. This is the first time in three appearances that Spaun has not made the cut at Augusta.

Another heavyweight to fall was Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion, who could not overcome the 11 bogeys registered in the first 36 holes, finishing also one stroke shy of the cut. Since joining LIV Golf, Watson has missed the weekend at Augusta three times in the last four years, a concerning sign for his return to the biggest stage.

Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters champion, also failed to avoid elimination, suffering a disastrous quadruple bogey on the 15th hole that weighed heavily on his score. Despite a second day without bogeys on the back nine, Willett missed the cut by a single stroke, highlighting the inconsistency since his victory.

Bryson DeChambeau, one of the favorites and winner of the last two LIV events before the Masters, saw his hopes fade in a disaster on the final hole of the second day, where a triple bogey in a bunker sealed his fate. This poor bunker management, which had already cost him a triple bogey on the 11th hole in the opening round, proved too much for the American, who had come off two top-6 finishes in the last Masters.

The list of those eliminated also includes young talent Akshay Bhatia, who after an impressive birdie on the 17th saw his hopes vanish with a double bogey on the final hole; veteran Zach Johnson, the 2007 champion, who could not recover from a double bogey on the 12th hole; and Nicolai Hojgaard, who despite a solid season on the PGA Tour, could not withstand the serious mistakes made.

Robert MacIntyre, another strong contender for victory, fell short after a disastrous opening day, while Cameron Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, extended his poor run in majors, failing to overcome mistakes on the final holes of the second day.

Fred Couples, the 66-year-old legend, showed signs of early strength but ultimately succumbed to a total of 11 strokes over par on the last 27 holes, raising questions about a possible definitive farewell to the Masters.

Min Woo Lee, the Australian prospect, saw his dream crumble in the dangers of “Amen Corner” with a fatal double bogey on the 12th hole, followed by three consecutive bogeys that left him missing the cut for the fifth time in six majors.

Finally, Nico Echavarria, despite already having a victory on the PGA Tour this season, could not avoid multiple double and triple bogeys that left him out of the weekend, once again confirming his struggles in major competitions.

The 2026 Masters promises an electrifying weekend with a shorter field of players, where only the most consistent and prepared will have the opportunity to fight for the coveted Green Jacket. What remains is the confirmation that Augusta National does not forgive and that, in this championship, today’s heroes can be tomorrow’s absentees.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.