Pádraig Harrington left Bethpage Black a frustrated figure on Saturday having missed the cut at the year’s second Major.
The Irishman has been struggling for form of late and dropped five shots in his last five holes on a very wet day at the office to finish up early.
"It was a tough day," the 37-year-old conceded.
"I got the start I wanted and then it was disappointing to lose it in the middle of the round with a few bad drives and I struggled to get it back after that,” he explained.
"I have had a bad run for the last four months but I have improved a few elements of my game that have been annoying me for the last couple of years. I just have to wait and let it come back."
Next up for the three-time Major winner is the defence of his Open crown.
"My short game was sharp, which was pleasing but it wasn't [on Friday] and that was the same as last week.
"One really good day and one really poor day - it needs to be working for the four days and all running together.
"I have sorted out a putting issue that has bothered me for a couple of years and a bunker issue that has been a real struggle for the last couple of years," he said.
"All that will make me a better player going forward. It can come round in a day. This game is fickle in that way but I believe that it can come around in four weeks and that by the time I tee it up at the Open I will be ready."