<P> The Open is a 72 - hole stroke play tournament contested over four days , Thursday through Sunday . Since 1979 it has been played in the week which includes the 3rd Friday in July . Currently , 156 players are in the field , mostly made up of the world 's leading professionals , who are given exemptions , along with winners of the top amateur championships . Further places are given to players , amateurs and professionals , who are successful in a number of qualifying events . There is a cut after 36 holes after which only the leading 70 players ( and ties ) play in the final 36 holes on the weekend . In the event of a tie after 72 holes , a four - hole aggregate playoff is held ; if two or more players are still tied , it continues as sudden - death until there is a winner . </P>
<P> The Open is a 72 - hole stroke play tournament contested over four days , Thursday through Sunday . Since 1979 it has been played in the week which includes the 3rd Friday in July . Currently , 156 players are in the field , mostly made up of the world 's leading professionals , who are given exemptions , along with winners of the top amateur championships . Further places are given to players , amateurs and professionals , who are successful in a number of qualifying events . There is a cut after 36 holes after which only the leading 70 players ( and ties ) play in the final 36 holes on the weekend . In the event of a tie after 72 holes , a four - hole aggregate playoff is held ; if two or more players are still tied , it continues as sudden - death until there is a winner . </P>
when do they make the cut at the open
when do they make the cut at the open
after 36 holes
after 36 holes