Cut claims plenty of big names and former champions

The halfway cut at Carnoustie fell at 4-over 146 on Friday, and 70 players made it through to the weekend. Among those going home early are world No. 2 Phil Mickelson and former Open champs Paul Lawrie, Justin Leonard and John Daly.

By PGATOUR.com staff

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland -- Phil Mickelson is glad his next start comes at Firestone Country Club. And not just because he's won a tournament on the lush and lengthy South Course, either.

The World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational is a limited-field event that attracts some of the best players from around the world. More importantly, at least from a psychological standpoint right now, is that everyone plays all four rounds.

"I've missed a lot of cuts lately," Mickelson said after shooting a 77 in the second round of the 136th Open Championship on Friday. "So ? I don't know ? I better get better. I think my next tournament doesn't have a cut. That will be nice."

Mickelson had injured his wrist hitting from the rough at Oakmont as he played a practice round for the U.S. Open. He missed the cut there, as well as at the AT&T National three weeks later, although he said the wrist was doing fine.

Mickelson, it must be noted, lost in a playoff at the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond last Sunday. He simply wasn't as comfortable on the Carnoustie Golf Links, though, and his 6-over total was two shots shy of a stay on the weekend. The cut, at 4-over 146, meant that 70 players will tee off on Saturday.

While the men who won the first two majors -- Masters champion Zach Johnson and U.S. Open winner Angel Cabrera -- will be around for the final two rounds, several other champions won't join them.

Among those missing the cut are 2006 U.S. Open winner Geoff Ogilvy, former PGA champions David Toms and Davis Love III, and six others who have lifted the Claret Jug -- Nick Faldo, Paul Lawrie, Tony Jacklin, Justin Leonard, Todd Hamilton and John Daly.