Clarke hits another mediocre game at the K Club

Another mediocre performance by defending champion Darren Clarke didn't please the Dungannon-born man. He was out in the morning rain and first covered the back nine in one-under 36 with two birdies on his card. On the way in he birdied the 2nd and 4th holes but suffered double-bogey six at the 7th hole where he was in water.

"I thought I played well today but played didn't score. I was punished for my bad shots," he said.

Ashbourne Club pro John Dwyer backed up his opening three-under-par with a three-over today to be level par and safely through to the weekend action. He carded three birdie twos and a birdie three at the first hole but also made two double bogeys and a bogey.

"My target was to make the cut and I have done that so I can now relax - not too much as I don't want to lose momentum. I have got to keep my focus. My birdie at the short 3rd brought me to five under and really settled me. I believe I was joint leader of the tournament at that stage," enthused Dwyer.

Graeme McDowell from Portrush, Ireland's newest professional, is biting his nails and wondering if he will make the cut tonight. He is on four-over-par after a 73 today.

"I may be a shot too many," he reflected. "I struggled with my putter but I' m hitting the ball well. Three birdies in two rounds are not nearly enough in a championship like this."

Long gone home is Ronan Rafferty. He was disqualified in mid-morning after playing the wrong ball at the 7th hole. He also teed off with it at the next.

Heading home tonight, as well, will be Philip Walton who posted a 76 for 150 with just two birdies on his card. Des Smyth will also be leaving the K Club this evening - he was 12-over after 12 holes in the second round.

CLUBHOUSE SCORES:

144 - J Dwyer 75; D Clarke 70

148 - G McDowell 73

150 - P Walton 76

Disq - R Rafferty

P Harrington - -1 after 28 holes

G Murphy - +2 after 24 holes

E Darcy - +4 after 27 holes

M Hoey - +6 after 28 holes

J Dignam - +7 after 24 holes

D Smyth - +12 after 30 holes

D Walker - +12 after 4 holes

P McGinley - +7 after 12 holes