Carnoustie

We are halfway to discovering who will lift the Claret Jug and be crowned Champion Golfer of the Year at The 147th Open – but it's also clear who won’t be around to win.

The cut has chopped half of the field out of contention and there are several surprising names not coming back for the weekend.

The biggest of those is without doubt world number one Dustin Johnson, a player who missed just two cuts in his previous 15 majors.

Johnson never settled at Carnoustie, shooting rounds of 76 and 72 on the Angus links. But he will be in good company at the check-out desk. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson is heading for the exit after finishing level with Johnson at six-over par.

The popular Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who went so close to winning at Carnoustie the last time The Open was played here, also goes home after missing the cut by just one shot.

PGA champion Justin Thomas, Scottish favourite Russell Knox, two-time major winner Martin Kaymer and Japanese sensation Hideki Matsuyama all join Garcia at four-over.

There are also plenty of former Champion Golfers waving goodbye, spearheaded by Sandy Lyle – who is possibly playing in his final Open.

With his exemption now up, Lyle will have to qualify if he wants to be at Royal Portrush next year and the Scotsman received a standing ovation when he arrived on the 18th. He sunk a memorable birdie, but a score of nine-over is not enough to secure a weekend place.

Also on their way home are 2011 winner Darren Clarke and two-time Champion Golfers Ernie Els and Padraig Harrington. American trio Tom Lehman (+4), Mark Calcavecchia (+7) and Todd Hamilton (+9) also failed to make the cut.