Every pulls clear, Mickelson misses cut

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGA, W. Virginia: American Matt Every birdied his final hole to break clear of a congested leaderboard as fan favorite Phil Mickelson missed the cut after Friday’s second round of the Greenbrier Classic here.
Every, who has yet to win on the PGA Tour, coolly rolled in a 10-footer at the par-four ninth to complete a blistering eight-under-par 62 at The Greenbrier’s Old White Course for a nine-under total of 131.
The 29-year-old, who has twice been a runner-up on the US circuit, piled up eight birdies in a flawless display but declined to speak to reporters after signing his card as he wanted to be with his wife, Danielle, who was not feeling well.
Johnson Wagner, one of two co-leaders overnight, carded a 70 to finish one stroke off the pace, level with fellow Americans Daniel Summerhays (67), Bill Lunde (66) and Russell Henley (65), and Australian Steve Bowditch (67).
While players were able to take advantage of preferred lies for a second day in a row, four-times major winner Mickelson again struggled with his distance control before exiting the tournament after following his opening 74 with a 68.
“I played well today, hit a lot of good shots and my game feels good, even though the scores were not very good,” world number six Mickelson told Golf Channel after missing the cut at The Greenbrier for a third year in a row.
“I hit a lot of good shots and as I look back on these last three years where I have struggled here, that’s been the biggest issue for me, is distance control with the irons.
“I have been surprised by every iron shot where it lands relative to where I expect it to land. And it’s not just a yard or two off like it normally is ... it’s 10 or 12 yards off. I haven’t been able to adjust.”
While Mickelson was unable to adjust at The Greenbrier, Australian Bowditch was delighted to put himself in foreign territory he has long dreamed about occupying — being in contention for a maiden PGA Tour title.
“I really haven’t put myself in position my whole career, so it’s going to be a new experience for me,” said Bowditch, who has recorded only one top-10 on the circuit after three full seasons.
“I’ve gained a little bit of experience but not quite at this level ... so I’m just going to go out there and play my game. My golf swing feels probably the best it’s felt in a long time now. I’m sort of freewheeling it, which is nice.”
McDowell, Sterne share
French Open lead
Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland shot a 1-under 70 yesterday to share the lead with Richard Sterne of South Africa after the third round of the French Open in Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines, France.
McDowell made two birdies and a lone bogey on the tough Albatross course of Le Golf National to sit at 5-under 208 while Sterne was less consistent, offsetting two bogeys and a double bogey with four birdies for a 71.
Bernd Wiesberger of Austria (68) shared third place with David Howell of England (69) and Richard Green of Australia (70), one stroke back.
Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark was tied with Simon Dyson of England for sixth at 3-under.