QUITE where Phillip Price's magic touch has gone is anyone's guess.

The Gwent golfer (pictured) predicted an upturn in fortunes ahead of his second round at Troon but how wrong he was.

He may have improved on Thursday's four over par 75 by two shots, but still Wales' sole representative at the Open will be heading home early.

The 37-year-old, who starred in Europe's victorious 2002 Ryder Cup win at the Belfry, resembled a man short on confidence on the green. He missed the cut not with a roar but with a whimper as he trailed in before lunch a disappointing six-over par.

After last year's impressive performance at the Open in Sandwich, where he finished tied for tenth just five shots behind winner Ben Curtis, Price was optimistic of another good finish here in Ayrshire.

"I know I'm going home - I can't believe it," admitted the Newport star. "I knew that unless there were massive winds and torrential rain I was in trouble. That didn't materialise, so that's the end for another year.

"I'll go home now, put my feet up and have a weekend off. I didn't even give myself a chance and that's the most frustrating part of my week - there was no reason why I shouldn't have competed here."

Price started solidly enough as he finished the front nine one under courtesy of a birdie at the ninth hole.

However, a disastrous back nine saw him drop four shots, including a double bogey at the 14th. His only saving grace was a birdie at the par four 13th.

"I didn't play very well and didn't deserve it really," he admitted. "I struggled for the entire round.

"I was really optimistic on Thursday morning. I liked what I was doing in practice but I hit so many bad shots this week it's unbelievable - I was so disappointed. I started well and birdied the ninth but I didn't take advantage.

"After double bogeying the 14th and then following it up with a bogey on the 15th I knew I'd wasted my chance."