Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas Those are two of the big names who missed the cut at the 124th U.S. Open.
Woods, a three-time U.S. Open champion, missed the weekend by two strokes after shooting a three-over 73 on Friday, while Thomas seemed lost all week at Pinehurst No. 2, finishing at 11-over after 36 holes. The two-time PGA champion has missed the cut in five of his last seven majors, a worrying trend for the Louisville, Kentucky, native.
But many others will be heading home early too.
Viktor Hovland started the 2024 U.S. Open with an impressive eight-over 78. He fought his way to a spot in the weekend on Friday, battling with four birdies after a double bogey on the par-four eighth hole, but ultimately fell short. Two bogeys in the final three holes hurt the Norwegian, who finished six-over par and one stroke behind in the cut.
Also finishing at six over was Robert McIntyre, who recently won the RBC Canadian under his father’s direction, though unfortunately for the Scot there’s no reason to celebrate this time around.
Max Homa, Eric Cole and PGA Tour newcomer Nick Dunlap also finished at 6-over, with Homa being the biggest surprise of the three, but Homa has missed the cut in four of his five U.S. Open starts, the exception being a tie for 47th at Brookline Country Club in 2022.
Canada’s Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor were also sent home early, finishing at seven and eight over par respectively, while Australia’s Jason Day also finished with a total of eight over par, which was surprising given that the course suits his game well.
Others who finished at eight over included Will Zalatoris, Webb Simpson, Will Zalatoris and one of SB Nation’s dark horses, Alex Noren of Sweden.
Dustin Johnson has looked completely lost in the majors this season, finishing the second round at nine over par, as has Phil Mickelson, who shot 79 on Thursday and 76 on Friday to finish at 15 over par.
Many big names were eliminated from the second tournament at Pinehurst, but Scottie Scheffler, a big-name favorite, qualified.
A total of 74 players have earned tee times for the third round, with play getting underway first thing Saturday morning in what promises to be another thrilling day on the North Carolina sand dunes.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow For more golf articles, follow us on Twitter Jack Mirko In the same way.
