Friday cut-line: Verizon Heritage

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- The Verizon Heritage's tartan jacket will not be wrapped around the broad shoulders of the Big Easy this week.

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Ernie Els will not be around for the weekend.

Ernie Els, winner of The 2008 Honda Classic, shot a 5-over-par 76 on Friday to miss the cut at Harbour Town Golf Links by five shots.

He's not the only major winner making an early exit. Zach Johnson missed by three strokes after a disappointing second-day 75. Tom Lehman nearly got to hang around but bogeyed his final hole and fell short by one stroke.

Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey won't treat the locals to a glimpse of one of their own this weekend. The South Carolinian had an unusual day on Friday with five birdies, four bogeys and a 10 on the 10th hole. Gainey had to take three drops there and still only missed the cut by two.

Rickie Fowler, one of the top amateurs and collegiate players in the country, had a promising first day. The 19-year-old needed only 70 strokes to navigate the course on Thursday but used 76 on Friday and missed the cut.

Of the eight past champions in the field, only one has to find other plans for the weekend. Jose Coceres shot 73 then 74 and will not play. On a venue that tends to reward familiarity -- eight former winners have won the event two or more times -- the seven others players used their expertise to finish in the money.

Players at 1-over par or better after two days will play on Saturday and Sunday. That list includes Corey Pavin and Will MacKenzie, who both made it on the nose. A total of 75 players remain in the field, which is four more than last year.