Humble (United States), April 4 (IANS): Star Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri failed to make the halfway cut at the Shell Houston Open of the PGA Tour despite putting up an improved show of three-under 69 in the second round here on Friday.

The cut was decided at four-under 140 at the par-71 Golf Club of Houston and Lahiri, who struggled on the opening day with a two-over 74, managed 69 on Friday.

Lahiri, who finished second on last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit, carded a total of one-under 143.

At the top of the leaderboard, Phil Mickelson was one stroke behind leader Andrew Putnam after the second round. The three-time Masters champion carded seven birdies in a round of five-under 67 that left him tied for second with fellow American Austin Cook.

Compatriot Putnam, 26, went round in 65 to take the lead on 12-under in Humble, Texas. Englishmen Kelvin Day, Paul Casey and Justin Rose are tied for 18th, five shots behind Putnam.

Mickelson, who won the event in 2011, will compete in the Masters at Augusta - the first major of the year - starting on April 9.

Putnam, who has not won on the PGA Tour, made a solid start before six birdies in his last seven holes saw him claim the lead from Mickelson and Cook.