On Wednesday Paul McGinley had to abandon his practice round after just four holes, and the malaise - probably caused by a reaction to medication for hay fever - continued into the tournament, where he missed his first cut in 14 appearances on the US Tour.

McGinley said the symptoms only developed shortly after he took the hay fever medication.

"I'd pins and needles in my legs. They felt like rubber. I'd no strength, and felt weak . . . and that's the way I have played. I have hit it short off the tee and just never competed at all. I never got out of the blocks, it's all very disappointing and I need to get to the bottom of why all of a sudden I've started feeling badly," said the Dubliner, who will have blood tests to determine the reason for his ill health.

"I've lost a lot of confidence," said McGinley, after shooting a second round 73 for 150. "That's as poorly as I have done for 36 holes and it has certainly rocked me. I really played poorly, and was way off the pace. I've never had such bad hay fever before. I have never had to walk off the course with it before."

At least McGinley has a week off from tournament play to get his body back into shape before heading to the US Masters.

Owen's Army

Since three-putting from inside four feet on the penultimate hole in the final round of the Bay Hill Invitational last Sunday to hand the title to Rod Pampling, Greg Owen has suddenly found a new army of fans.

"I'm getting recognised a little more. I wish it was for something else . . . they know what happened and I'm sure they've done it themselves a million times."

Corey crashes

Corey Pavin became the latest victim of the 17th. On target to make the cut, the American - one of Tom Lehman's deputies at the Ryder Cup at the K Club in September - approached the island hole, his eighth, with all to play for.

After signing for a quadruple bogey seven, his tournament was over.