Rarely do all the big names and favourites make it through the weekend at The Open – there are always high profile casualties that fall at the first hurdle and go home early.
This week was no different. Some, like former World No.1, Justin Thomas, who’s been out of sorts lately, were half expected. Others, including another former World No.1, Dustin Johnson, came as more of a surprise.
Here are the big name players to have missed the cut at the 151st Open Championship:
Dustin Johnson
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The two-time Major champion and former World No.1 may no longer be at the peak of his powers, but ‘DJ’ only won the Masters three years ago, and he’s had his moments at The Open, most notably in 2011 when he finished runner-up.
This year, the 24-time PGA Tour winner never recovered from an opening round of 74. After a birdieless front nine on Friday, he turned in 38, and the bogeys kept on piling up.
It all added up to a disappointing 81. It’s now back to LIV for the 39-year-old.
Justin Thomas
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Thomas’ trip to the UK hasn’t been a total waste – he got to spend some quality time with family and friends at Wimbledon, plus he enjoyed his visit to Scotland where he played North Berwick.
The former World No.1 and two-time Major winner cuts a dejected figure at the moment, which is no great surprise given his record in the ‘big ones’ this year: missed cuts at the Masters and the US Open, and a tied 65th at the PGA Championship.
At Royal Liverpool, he finished with a quadruple bogey nine on Thursday evening after hitting his drive out of bounds and then taking two greenside bunker shots. It was his second Major round in the 80s this year after an 81 in round two of the US Open.
He did at least show some of his better stuff on Friday in posting a level-round 71 – and he’s not about to press the panic button.
After his round he told reporters that he’s still “hitting a lot of good shots” and just needs to eradicate “bonehead mistakes”.
Phil Mickelson
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‘Lefty’ looked a little tired this week – there wasn’t the usual skip in his step and the determination in his eyes that we’ve…
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