Kurt Barnes has vowed to return to the major championship stage.
The fun-loving New South Welshman said he was “bitter” that he couldn’t make the cut today, firing an 11-over-par 81 to leave the building at 13 over in total.
But true to his bold character, he remained upbeat about what lies ahead rather than beating himself up.
“The game’s in a good spot at the moment and today wasn’t the result of poor golf — it’s just you miss these greens in the wrong spot and you pay a big penalty,” said Barnes, who made a swag of birdies over his first two US Open rounds.
It’s just that they were offset by 10 bogeys and four double-bogeys.
“There’s birdies out there and that’s the thing. The greens are tricky and you really need to be in the right spot to have a chance at them.
“I did it a bit, but just not enough.
“It’s a little disappointing to miss with the way I’ve been playing recently (in Japan, where he qualified last month).
“Obviously today’s score doesn’t reflect how I’ve been going the last month and even yesterday, but I just paid for my mistakes.
“But that’s golf. I’ll rest up over the next few days, go home and get ready for Japan again.”
Barnes, 34, said his experience had inspired him to dig even harder to get back.
“As a golf pro, you want to play majors,” he said.
“This is my third one and I can definitely tell you it’s not going to be my last.
“My game is in a good spot and it’s improving every week.
“It’s bitter sweet to get here and miss the cut.”
“Things just didn’t happen today, but I’ll be back, mate, don’t worry.”