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Michael Campbell extended his US Masters hoodoo to eight years after missing the halfway cut by a single stroke at Augusta National here today.
Campbell produced his lowest ever score in the second round - a one under par 71. His previous best score was a 73 in his maiden US Masters appearance in 1996.
There was much hope immediately afterwards that Campbell's four over par was good enough to play all four days before confirmation some two hours later of the official three over par cut-off mark.
It is the third year running Campbell has fallen short by a shot of his Augusta goal and the former US Open champion can look back to a 13th hole double bogey as the prime cause his record is now eight starts and eight missed cuts.
However, after taking the double at Augusta's 13th hole Campbell did dig deep to birdie the 15th and 16th holes and he then parred the closing two.
"It's very disappointing to come so agonisingly close for a third year running," Campbell said.
"I thought when I came off the course that I might have done just enough to scrap through but it wasn't good enough.
"But I'll take a lot of confidence away from this week. This round today is my lowest ever at Augusta and that's a plus.
"I've said this week that this course owes me so I guess I will just have to wait another year to get my revenge."
Despite missing the cut Campbell is assured a start in the next two US Masters courtesy of the 10-year Augusta exemption he earned in winning the 2005 US Open.
After nightmare lead-up rounds of 83, 81 and 82, Campbell said he was delighted the fruits of his work had started to pay dividends.
"It's starting finally to all come back and I have been very patient. Rome wasn't built in day but hopefully this can lead to a great 2008.
"To shoot under par around Augusta on a Friday afternoon has to be very encouraging and very positive and I am looking forward now to the weekend.
"I said last week I was coming here with no expectations and all I wanted to do was go out there and have fun and enjoy it because I just haven't enjoyed the last seven times I've been here."
Campbell began his round by again bogeying the first but picked up birdies on the third and fifth to move back to four over par.
But there was serious trouble at the par five 13th with Campbell pulled his tee shot into bushes and walked off with a double bogey.
He parred the 14th and then drove the par five 15th in two before two putting from the back of the green for birdie.
Campbell then hit a superb shot at the par three 16th that finished a metre from the flagstick for another birdie.
He parred the 17th in regulation and then played a poor second shot at the final hole that was short and well left of the fairway.
Campbell then had the crowd around the 18th green cheering loudly when he drilled a wedge shot to just a few feet ahead of sinking the par putt.
- NZPA
