Bhullar's hopes blown away

India's Gaganjeet Bhullar's hopes of making it into the weekend rounds at the British Open suffered an early setback after he posted a seven-over par 77 in the second round on Friday.

The Indian's two-day total of eight-over-par 148 could cost him a first weekend appearance in his debut at the world's oldest major.

After carding an impressive opening 71 under benign conditions, Bhullar had to contend with the morning rain and gusty winds that swept across the Ailsa Course in Turnberry.

The 20-year-old began his round convincingly with a birdie on the par-four second, but when the famous winds of Turnberry began to bare its teeth, he also began to struggle.

"The winds made it very difficult for me to calculate the yardages today. I was also not managing my course properly and it was a struggle," said the Indian.

Bhullar failed to find any rhythm on any part of the Ailsa links after that birdie. He reached the turn in 38 after registering a double bogey on the fifth and bogeys on the seventh and eighth.

His card on the back-nine was also marred with another double bogey on the 13th and bogeys on the 14th and 18th.

"It's a totally different experience playing here and in Asia. We don't have such strong winds back in Asia and that was the biggest challenge for me today," said Bhullar.

While Bhullar will be staring at an early flight home, he knows that he will emerge as a stronger contender on the Asian Tour when the second half of the season commences next week.

"This is my first major and it has been a great experience. I'll be going back to play on the Asian Tour, starting with the Indonesia President Invitational next week and the Brunei Open following that," said Bhullar.

"I think I'll do well with the experience gained and hopefully lift my maiden title on the Asian Tour," added Bhullar.