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CARNOUSTIE, Scotland — As the second round of the Open Championship drew to a close, the cut line fell at four over. That undoubtedly pleased some players hovering at that number — among them Masters champ Zach Johnson, Luke Donald, Michael Campbell and Mark O'Meara, a former Open winner — but it ensured that a handful of big names would be heading to the airport Saturday morning.
This group will be hoisting luggage instead of the Claret Jug:
Phil Mickelson: A miserable 77 on Friday left Lefty at six over and ready to board his plane home. Mickelson missed his second consecutive cut in a major. How far away seem the days last year at Winged Foot when he was gunning for his third straight major win. When asked if he planned to hang around to watch the weekend, Mickelson said, "No, but thanks for asking."
Henrik Stenson: He was the toast of European golf when he won the World Golf Championship match play event in Tucson in February, but it's been a cold summer for the Swede. A bogey at the last put him five over, outside the line by one shot. He shot 71-76.
Justin Leonard: A champion 10 years ago, and a loser in a playoff at Carnoustie in 1999, Leonard also missed by a shot after a Friday 73.
David Toms: Just like Mickelson, Toms followed a level-par 71 by skiing to a 77 on day two to finish at six over.
Darren Clarke: The Irishman's slump continues. He played the last five holes five-over to miss by two.
Geoff Ogilvy: The 2006 U.S. Open champ logged rounds of 75-74 and is heading home.
Davis Love III: Played decently on Friday, but left himself way too much to do with a first round 79.
Charles Howell III: Another major disappointment for Howell. Rounds of 73-76 earn him an early ticket home.
Todd Hamilton: The 2004 winner improved by nine shots Friday, but his first round 81 all but sealed his fate.
Nick Faldo: The three-time champion can devote himself to ABC broadcast duties this weekend. He finished 10 over.
Aaron Baddeley: The Oakmont nearly-man finished at nine over and was last seen walking off hand-in-hand with his consoling wife.
Rory Sabbatini: The man who likes fast play will be making a fast exit thanks to rounds of 76-74.
John Daly: Another storied flameout by Daly. He briefly held the lead on day one before imploding. His 74-76 will mean it's a short trip for Long John.
