Golf | Talking points from day two in Portrush
What a day of golf in Portrush.
Twists, turns, and drama aplenty on the second day of The 148th Open.
Let's dive straight into the main talking points from a hectic day of golf as the race for the Claret Jug heats up.
McIlroy falls short
Rory McIlroy has missed out on the cut (-1) by a single shot despite ending the day on 65, the joint-best score in the tournament so far.
His disastrous day yesterday means he finishes on +2, with his heroics today taking him agonizingly close to staying in the tournament.
James Sugrue (+2), Darren Clarke (+3) and Padraig Harrington (+4) also failed to make the cut.
Lowry the leader
Shane Lowry came into the second round one shot off the lead, and ends the day as joint-leader with DB Holmes on -8.
The crowd are behind the likeable Irish golfer, and his form in the opening two rounds suggests he'll be in the mix right until the end.
Disaster for Darren
Darren Clarke suffered late heartbreak in the second round, hitting a triple-bogey on the 18th hole and missing out on the cut as a result.
He trudged to the club house having finished day two on 75 (+4).
It was a disappointing end to an emotional week for the hometown favourite.
McDowell (just) makes the cut
Graeme McDowell made the cut with the skin of his teeth, finishing on the required 1+.
His round off 66 was enough to seal his place in the next round.
Tight at the top
As mentioned above, Lowry and Holmes are tied in first place on -8.
The chasing pack are hot on their heels, with Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood both sitting one shot behind.
Cameron Smith, Justin Harding, and Justin Rose follow behind on -6, and there a host of players on -5.
This will go right to the wire.
Mickelson and Woods make history
For the first time in their careers, neither Phil Mickelson nor Tiger Woods made the cut at a major championship.
According to NBC, it's the first time in 83 Majors that both started but failed to make the cut.
Woods hit a disappointing 78 on day one, and missed out on the cut despite making 70 today.
Mickelson's hopes were all but over after finishing on 76 on day one.