Ireland's hopes of repeating their 1997 World Cup victory at Kiawah Island all but evaporated today.
Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley were blown off course in blustery conditions during the opening fourballs, slumping to a two over par 74 to lie seven shots off the pace.
And worse was to follow today as they carded a 77 in the second round foursomes to lie seven over par for the tournament.
Playing partners England fared better with a second consecutive 73, but at two over par were six shots behind leaders South Africa - who had three to play.
There was better news for Wales and Scotland in particular, who were both among the seven teams under par towards the end of the second day.
Harrington had birdied the first two holes on the opening day but struggled with his swing thereafter, and was still on the practice range as night fell on Thursday evening trying to find a cure.
But after finding a cure for his swing problems the Dubliner proceeded to make what he described as a number of 'mental errors' as he and McGinley went to the turn in 40.
Three more bogeys and two birdies followed on the back nine and Harrington said: "I ironed out the flaws in my swing and all the mistakes I made were mental ones.
"I was quite happy with the way I was hitting the ball but there were mental lapses. It's disappointing obviously because conditions were ideal."
There was a similar refrain from Paul Casey and Justin Rose after they bogeyed the 18th when Rose's drive caught the face of a fairway bunker.
"It was poor really," said Rose. "It was easy today and a good score was there to be had. We hit a lot of fairways and greens but left a lot of 20 foot putts that didn't go in.
"I felt we could have quite easily shot three or four under and got back into the frame. A good start to the fourballs tomorrow is what's needed. If the weather is good a 10 under is on the cards."
Scotland's Paul Lawrie and Alastair Forsyth were just two off the lead with two holes of their second round to go after carding the only eagle of the tournament so far.
That came on the par five second where Forsyth converted Lawrie's excellent approach and Forsyth returned the favour on the ninth with a brilliant second to within inches of the hole for birdie.
Wales began the day one off the lead after a superb opening 68 but picked up just one birdie in 14 holes to drop back to one under.
Trevor Immelman and Rory Sabbatini were setting the pace for South Africa on four under, with pre-tournament favourites Jim Furyk and Justin Leonard quietly moving up into second place on three under.