Big names miss cut at US Open
GETTY IMAGES THERE was proof all over this new course that an Open door swings both ways.
In fact, the players exiting were the most noteworthy. Despite another crush of low scores, the US Open yesterday became at least as much about who is out than who is in.
No doubt, the packed leader board bodes for a wild weekend at Erin Hills, with Paul Casey, Brian Harman, Tommy Fleetwood and Brooks Koepka tied for the second-round lead at seven-underpar 137. Rickie Fowler, the firstround leader, is in a three-way tie at six under, followed by an eclectic mix of five golfers at five under.
‘‘We’re in a good spot,’’ Fowler said, referring to his status in the first-person plural after shooting one-over 73. ‘‘So it should be a fun weekend.’’
It is going to be a surprisingly quiet weekend for defending champion and world No1 Dustin Johnson, as well as Nos2 and 3 Rory McIlroy and Jason Day, all of whom missed the cut.
It was the first time since the official world rankings began in 1986 that the top three all missed the cut in a major. And none of them was particularly close on a first-time major championship layout that has played soft. ‘‘Everything was in good shape. But you don’t really know until you put a card in your hand and you’re under the gun a little bit,’’ said McIlroy, who said goodbye at five over.
Said Johnson, who was three over: ‘‘I really like this golf course, it sets up well for me. As we all know, this game is all about putting. I just didn’t get it in the hole fast enough.’’ Day, at 10 over, said, ‘‘I mean, the scores were out there. If you hit the fairways, the scores are there.’’ ● Lydia Ko followed up a strong start with a disappointing second round that leaves the Kiwi golfer tied for 14th at the Meijer LPGA Classic.
Ko carded a par 71 at the Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids after two bogeys and one double bogey wiped out four birdies.
In the month where Ko lost her world No1 ranking to Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, Ko hit sixunder on day one in Michigan.
She shared eighth and trailed leader Brooke Henderson by two shots, but the Canadian remains the clubhouse leader ahead of the third round on 12-under and two shots clear of her nearest rivals.