The state of Dustin Johnson’s golf game was shaky coming into the season’s second major and it stayed that way at the world’s No. 1 made a quick exit from the tournament, missing the 36-hole cut.
But D.J. wasn’t alone. World’s No. 2 Justin Thomas was right there with him, heading home early.
D.J. first. Johnson never looked on his game and windy conditions only make it worse when you’re not on top of everything. As a result, rounds of 76-74 — six-over, left him a shot shy of the cutline (five-over). It’s the first time a world’s No. 1 has missed back-to-back cuts in majors since Greg Norman back in 1997.
Johnson’s putting was the main culprit.
Ditto for J.T., who was among the pre-tournament favorites. Thomas’ putter was simply awful and a short missed putt inside three-feet late in his round Friday proved very costly. He shot a pair of 75s to miss by a shot.
No. 4 Xander Shauffele went home with them, turning in a 77 Friday after opening with 73 and missed by a shot.
Sergio Garcia and Tommy Fleetwood didn’t make it either.
PGA of America club professionals bit the dust except for two of the 20 who started on Thursday. Ben Cook opening with 72, held on for a 77 Friday and he made the cut on the number, tied for 63rd.
Low club professional was Brad Marek, a one-time mini-tour player. Two rounds of 73 have him in a two-under, just seven off the lead and he’s tied for 32nd.
Bringing up the read, in dead-last place was John Daly. The low-country was no country for Daly as he shot rounds of 85-86. Not bad considering he has a hard time just walking 18 holes.
