A birdie-birdie finish is unlikely to push Branden Grace into the weekend as he looks set to pay the price for his off-the-pace opening round.
The popular South African, who challenged until a wayward tee shot on 16 in the final round of the 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay, will be among those heading home after 36 holes.
An opening 75 was always going to leave him struggling to make the grade. An opening bogey on Friday did little to help matters. He made two birdies in his opening 11 holes but was only level for the day as mistakes kept creeping in.
A double at 14 ended his hopes of advancing to the final two rounds as he moved away from the top 60 and ties. His strong finish left him to sign for an even-par 71 but at +4, the race is all but run.
Compatriot Merrick Bremner, who competed via sectional qualifying, will also head home after two 79s ended his participation in the year’s third Major.
Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images
