I’m not sure I’ve ever left a golf course as frustrated as I have today.
Round 2 of the PGA Championship at Slaley Hall is done, and a 76 ( 4) leaves me at 7 for the tournament — one shot outside the cut line in what is probably the biggest pro event of my year outside of Open Qualifying.
The day actually started really well. I struck the ball far better than I did in round 1. We started on the back nine today and made the turn in level par with some really solid golf, although the putter wasn’t as hot.
Then came a stretch that will take a while to forget. A 3 putt on my 13th and 14th holes knocked the momentum, followed by a poor approach shot on the next. Three bogeys later, I’d gone from comfortable to scrambling for a lifeline.
I steadied things and produced a great birdie on my 17th. All I needed was a bogey on the last to make the cut.
I made double.
It’s one of the bitterest finishes to a round I’ve had for some time.
I’m disappointed, frustrated and it’ll take a day — and a few pints — to get over.
That said, there are positives. The ball striking was significantly better today and, ultimately, it was a few identifiable mental lapses that cost me. I also have to acknowledge that yesterday could have been a lot worse without a brilliant putting performance.
My record for comp rounds in 2026 is, 79, 71, 70, 75, 78, 74, 71, 72, 77, 68, 75, 76.
Mostly, just lingering in the 70’s so I know I’m not tooooo far away but I’m definitely 10% off in all areas.
Plenty of practice over the next few weeks before Open Qualifying at Lindrick Golf Club on June 22nd.
Hopefully see some of you there 👊⛳️