Today’s Second Round featured better weather (glorious sunshine and 76 degrees), better attendance (111,013 fans) and better golf.
The big news was that Phil Mickelson missed the cut after shooting a 7-over 149. This was the second time in three years that the affable, fan favorite will not be around for the weekend action.
The fact that he played poorly for two straight days, at a course familiar to him, was surprising but to me, the real eye opener was that this was the first time Mickelson has missed the cut in a season debut since he turned pro in 1992.
There will not be a repeat champion at the FBR this year. J.B. Holmes, shot a 5-over 76 to miss the cut as well. Holmes struggled on yesterday’s back nine and his erratic play continued today as evidenced by a pair of double bogeys on his card.
Americans Nick Watney and Kenny Perry each recorded the low number of the day-- 63. Watney followed up his opening round 70 with an impressive four birdie, two eagle effort and will begin the weekend on top of the Leaderboard. Watney’s is one stroke better than a trio of golfers: Round 1 leader, James Nitties, Charley Hoffman and Matt Kuchar. Perry is two strokes off the pace.
Like Thursday’s Round 1, Round 2 was also suspended due to darkness. Round 2 will resume Saturday at 8:00 am (local time) while Round 3 will begin at approximately 9:00 am off both the 1st and 10th tees.
Right now, the projected cut is 142 or even par.