Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke are Ireland’s two biggest casualties after Day Two of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Lahinch.
On a day were home competitors struggled, the two former Major winners concluded their campaign missing the cut.
McDowell rallied near the end of his second round to finish on 4 over par, while Clarke was three shots behind him. Both well off the cut.
And the late surge in scoring on Friday evening claimed more casualties as one under par became the target for survival, resulting in Paul Dunne and Paul McBride also being axed from the event.
Overnight leader Padraig Harrington struggled with a round of 73 but still sits on four under. Shane Lowry dropped four shots early before recovering with two birdies to finish on two under and both remain in the hunt on Saturday and Sunday.
Cormac Sharvin continued his impressive tournament performance being best of the Irish after a 69 left him at five under. And late entrant Robin Dawson will complete the full four rounds as he sits on one under.
The most remarkable comeback came from Waterford’s Seamus Power. Looking out of contention after a double bogey on the fourth hole, he hit six birdies on the back nine to finish on four under par.
And despite Ireland’s poor day, the five survivors are still in the mix as the lead is held at nine under par by South Africa’s Zander Lombard, followed by England’s Eddie Pepperell one shot behind.
Mexico’s Abraham Ancer, Spain’s Jorge Campillo and England’s Lee Westwood are on seven under par with another six players one behind them.
Sixty-six will take to the tee in Saturday’s third round with Lombard and Pepperell last out at approximately 12.45pm.
====
Ireland’s Padraig Harrington was keeping the good side out after his round when chatting to Clare FM’s Colum McGrath.
===
Naas’s Cormac Sharvin struck an eagle in the first hole despite missing the cut.
====
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre sits on five under par.
====
England’s Eddie Pepperell will be in tomorrow’s final round
