PHIL WILL CUT IT FOR OPEN
ALL THE LATEST FROM GULLANE
BY EUAN McLEAN PHIL MICKELSON will ramp up his preparations for The Open after missing the cut at Gullane.
The five-time Major winner topped the list of casualties, including Hideki Matsuyama, who crashed out early.
Having spent the start of the week in France on a fact-finding trip to this year’s Ryder Cup venue, Le Golf National, he admitted mounting a Scottish Open challenge was always going to be a tall order.
But he expected better than rounds of 70 and 69 for a one-under score that was three shots shy of the cut – and well off the searing pace set by leader Robert Rock on 13 under.
Mickelson said: “I have some work to do on my game, I didn’t play great.
“Now I’ll have a couple of extra days to go over to Carnoustie and try to get it done.
“I’m not quite as sharp as earlier in the year but I have my coach Andrew Getson here to help me. It’s not far off but I have some work to do.
“I knew the first round was going to be tough but thought I’d get better as the tournament went on.
“I’ll practice around this area on Saturday morning and then drive up in the afternoon.
“I thought Gullane was a fun course and great way to get ready for next week with the links style.”
Scots Richie Ramsay, Martin Laird, Scott Jamieson, Marc Warren and Peter Whiteford also missed out.