New Zealand golfer Danny Lee had no excuses after failing to make the cut at the Zurich Golf Classic of New Orleans today.
Making his professional debut, Lee added a second round 75 to his first round 76 for a seven over par 151, and a share of 137th place in a 156-strong field at the TPC Louisiana.
Compatriot Tim Wilkinson scored a 76 after his first round 71 for a three over par 147.
The cut fell at one-under 143 with 2007 champion Nick Watney, Canadian Mike Weir and US Ryder Cup player JB Holmes among those missing out.
Lee, the 18-year-old reigning US Amateur champion, only last week contracted to a lucrative management deal by industry heavy hitters IMG, was succinct about his performance.
"Well, it wasn't really hard out there, I just played really awfully," he said afterwards.
"I had a problem with my iron shots today and yesterday - I pulled my irons and hit some balls in the water. But hopefully I've learned something, and there's always next week."
Lee said he had plenty to work on ahead of his next tournament, the Quail Hollow Championship in Massachusetts, extra zest coming to the tournament with news that world No 1 Tiger Woods is a confirmed starter.
"I think I've got to think about what I'm heading into," Lee said. "I've got to think about my second shots and my next shots. And I think I've got to learn more about course management and how to control my schedule before I tee off - try not to get burned out before I play."
American Jerry Kelly birdied three of the last five holes to grab a one-shot lead at the Zurich Classic today.
Two strokes off the pace overnight, Kelly fired a six-under-par 66 to put himself in position to end a seven-year title drought on the PGA Tour.
The Wisconsin professional shrugged off breezy conditions by covering the back nine in a sizzling four-under 32 to post a 10-under total of 134.
Troy Matteson equalled the course-record 64 set by Kyle Reifers in 2007 to share second place with fellow American Charley Hoffman (66) while 2001 champion David Toms (68) was among a group at eight under.
Overnight leader Charlie Wi of South Korea followed his opening 66 with a 70 to lie two strokes off the pace.
