Louis Oosthuizen among those missing cut

It’s almost all or nothing for Louis Oosthuizen at the Masters Tournament.

The South African’s record in five majors at Augusta National Golf Club is four missed cuts – including Friday – and missing out on a green jacket by the narrowest of margins.

Last year, he made a rare double eagle at the par-5 second hole on Sunday and was at 10-under-par after 72 holes. Bubba Watson beat him on the second playoff hole, a par at No. 10 featuring a daring approach shot for the ages.

Watson nearly joined Oosthuizen on Friday’s cut list, slipping through by one stroke at 4-over 148. The defending champion was one of 61 players to make it to the weekend, while Oosthuizen, at 6-over, was one of 32 players exiting.

“I played poorly,” Oosthuizen said. “I was disappointed.”

The 2010 British Open champion said he didn’t have a specific score in mind when he started the day tied for 56th at 2-over. He ended up shooting 76.

“Today, with the wind, you need to be spot on with your second shots,” he said. “I left myself with tough shots, with tough chips and putts for pars. The few times I had birdies, I didn’t covert. So, all in all, I just didn’t play well, so I can’t go on this week.”

Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion, finished at 5-over.

“I think you can make great moves here this weekend, but I can’t make great moves sitting on my couch,” he said.

Also missing the cut were former Masters champions Larry Mize, Mark O’Meara, Mike Weir, Tom Watson, Craig Stadler, Ian Woosnam and Ben Crenshaw. U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson also failed to qualify for the weekend.

Augusta National and Masters Chairman Billy Payne announced changes to the cut Wednesday. The Masters now takes the top 50 and ties, plus anyone within 10 shots of the lead.

Martin Laird was the last player in the field after winning the Texas Open on Sunday, and he missed the cut by one stroke after rounds of 76-73.

“I’m obviously disappointed in how I played this week, but I’m definitely not going to let this week put any damper on last week,” he said. “I was kind of in a bad mood last night. After yesterday, I was a little disappointed, and then (he and his wife) kind of looked at each other, like, wait a minute, I won last week. That’s not a reason to be in a bad mood.”

Nathan Smith, the four-time U.S. Mid-Amateur champion, missed the cut for the fourth time but always has fun. After he finished at 11-over, he recounted how he nearly aced No. 16, with the ball hanging on the lip of the cup.

“That would have made my life,” Smith said. “It’s a blast.”