Mickelson likely to miss cut after putter goes cold

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland, July 20 (Reuters) World number two Phil Mickelson blamed a cold putter after a second-round 77 at the British Open today left him staring another missed cut in the face.

''I didn't play well today but I thought it (Carnoustie) was a very fair test,'' the American left-hander told reporters after finishing six over par on 148.

''It was a little windy but it wasn't unplayable. There were under-par scores out there and I just didn't putt well enough to have one of them.'' Mickelson said he felt confident when he arrived at the links course after featuring prominently at last week's Scottish Open where he lost to Frenchman Gregory Havret in a playoff.

''I thought I was playing a lot better than this,'' said the 37-year-old.

''I started to play some pretty good golf last week and I don't know why I've putted these greens so poorly. They are very good, with a very good texture, and I've seen a lot of guys make putts but I just haven't been one of them.'' Mickelson was four over for the championship when he reached the 18th tee but a poor tee shot proved costly.

''I thought a par four would probably make the cut but I hit a drive in the water and made a double-bogey,'' said the three-times major champion.

''I've missed a lot of cuts lately, at the US Open, (the Tiger Woods-hosted invitational) at Congressional, and most likely here.

I better get better.

''I think my next tournament (WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio) doesn't have a cut so that will be nice.'' REUTERS BJR RN2114