Michael Campbell has likened his return to competitive golf at the European Open in Ireland as akin to breaking in a new pair of golf shoes.
The reigning US Open champion recorded a second round level par 72 that included three birdies, a bogey and a 14th hole double bogey on the K Club course, leaving him at two over.
That moved him up the leaderboard a little to a share of 45th place, seven shots behind the leading duo of Denmark's Thomas Bjorn and Welshman Jamie Donaldson.
Five players - the British trio of Darren Clarke, Jonathon Lomas and Graeme Storm along with Dane Anders Hansen and Australia's Brett Rumford - are next best on four under.
"I played a lot better today than yesterday and when you are labelled a major winner, the expectations are higher to perform and perform well," he said.
"It is much like wearing a new pair of golf shoes because the first couple of days they are uncomfortable but then after a few days you get used to them. That is what it has been like these first few days. I have learned a lot about myself and how the human mind works and I have to turn this into a positive."
Campbell said that he was actually surprised he made the cut. He walked to the first tee to be greeted by a huge sign saying: 'Quiet please. US Open champion playing.'
"That was a really nice touch and they're all part of my new fan club," he said. "But today compared to yesterday was like comparing day to night. I felt revitalised and more focused, and aside from a couple of bad shots, it was a nice, promising day.
Fellow Kiwi Stephen Scahill's wretched mid-season run continued with the Featherston player missing the halfway cut with rounds of 80 and 73.
His second round included three birdies and a triple bogey.
After making the cut in six of his first eight events this season, Scahill has since missed the weekend rounds for the eighth occasion in his last nine events.
- AGENCIES
Golf: Cambo finding feet as champ
Michael Campbell
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