Harrington misses cut after harrowing week

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

FARMINGDALE, New York (Reuters) - After winning two of the last three majors, a frustrated Padraig Harrington made a premature exit from the U.S. Open on Saturday.

The Irishman has struggled with his game over the last four months and, despite finally finding form on and around the greens, he missed the cut after carding a six-over-par 76 in the rain-delayed second round.

Harrington dropped five shots in his last five holes at a wet Bethpage Black to miss his fourth cut in five PGA Tour starts.

"It was a tough day," the 37-year-old told reporters after posting a 12-over total of 152.

"I got the start I wanted and then it was disappointing to lose it in the middle of the round with a few bad drives and I struggled to get it back after that.

"I have had a bad run for the last four months but I have improved a few elements of my game that have been annoying me for the last couple of years. I just have to wait and let it come back."

LOST MOMENTUM

Harrington, who capped a magnificent 2008 campaign with victories at the British Open and U.S. PGA Championship, birdied two of his first five holes on Saturday before losing momentum.