Campbell counting on 'fear factor'

SUTTON COLDFIELD, England - New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell intends drawing on his US Open winning 'fear factor' after remaining in contention on day two of the British Masters at The Belfry.

Campbell carded a second round 70 for a seven under par tally on The Belfry course near Birmingham that left him four strokes behind England's Paul Casey.

Casey recorded a six-under par 66 followed by Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke on eight under par. He is a stroke clear of five players including England's Ian Poulter and former New Zealand Open champion Peter O'Malley of Australia who birdied his closing three holes in a score of 66.

A further five, among them Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell who aced the 16th hole of his round, are next best on six under par.

Campbell's last event was the US Masters where he missed the cut by just a shot.

"Today's round was a reflection on having not played much golf at all," said Campbell. He spent the past five weeks settling into a new home in Sydney.

"I hit a few stray shots and it cost me a couple of bogeys here and there. Besides that, it's nice to go out and play a B game the last couple of days and still have a chance to win. . .

"My last round of golf was Augusta a month ago, and then the next time I played golf was Monday of this week so I didn't touch a golf club, and the closest I've come to a golf course is playing mini-putt with my two sons."

Campbell now has 31 days remaining in his reign at US Open champion and the 37-year old intends to make the most of his stature as a current Major title holder.

"Being the US Open does give me a fear factor and more so than other players who have not won a major," he said.

"Knowing I have won a major, and knowing I've won the World Match-Play and they see my name up there would make them think twice and that's one thing I've noticed over the last 12 months. . .

"That is a nice situation to be in and it's nice for the ego. It's nice too as it really empowers me knowing they are looking at me as a major front runner for this event."

- NZPA