Gullane, Scotland: Two weeks after enjoying the perks of a US Open champion, from dining with the prime minister to watching the Wimbledon men's final from the Royal Box, Justin Rose led a parade of stars exiting the British Open.
Rose shot a 6-over 77 on Friday to finish with a two-round total of 152, missing the cut by two strokes. He was joined by several former major winners, including Rory McIlroy and Jim Furyk, as well as a few others, like Luke Donald, Matteo Manassero and Nick Watney, ranked among the top 30 players in the world.
"Golf humbles you all the time," said Rose, who is ranked No. 3.
The last reigning US Open champion to miss the cut at the British was Lucas Glover in 2009.
Two weeks of unseasonably warm weather and sunshine made the fairways in some places rock-hard and more than a few greens lightning-fast. Even players like McIlroy, who grew up playing on links courses, found the conditions testing their patience beyond the limit.
The Northern Irishman shot 75 to go with a first-round 79. Birdies were so few and far between that with his departure before the weekend already guaranteed, he celebrated one at No. 17 with an exaggerated fist-pump.
"That was a very big putt for me," he said, laughing.
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