Shaw Hill star Dougherty makes his first cut of 2011 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Shaw Hill star Dougherty makes his first cut of 2011

3:46pm Friday 2nd September 2011 in Golf

CHORLEY’S Nick Dougherty finally made his first cut of the year in Switzerland yesterday – but not with the round he was hoping for.

After crashing out at halfway in his previous 21 starts the 29-year-old Shaw Hill professional had opened the Omega European Masters with an eight under par 63 to lead by two.

But, first man out in the second round, Dougherty added only a one-over 72 and slipped one behind early clubhouse leader Simon Dyson.

“I had two things in my head – the tournament and getting the monkey of not making a cut off my back,” said Dougherty.

“It was more difficult. I didn’t play as well and I had a few iffy breaks, but I suppose you get what you deserve.

“Hopefully I can play with a bit more flair and flamboyance tomorrow. It was a little cagey.”

Without a single penny in European Tour earnings this season, he had suddenly taken a huge leap towards keeping his card for next year.

But there is now an awful lot of work to be done for that.

Close friend Dyson has no such worries after winning the Irish Open a month ago and he moved out in front with a 68, taking the outright lead with a 10-foot closing birdie putt.