Golf: Cambo recovers after disastrous start

New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell recovered from a disastrous start but stuttered late to record a seven-over 78 in his first round at the US Open in California today.

At a Pebble Beach course which took no prisoners, the out-of-form Campbell launched a mid-round revival with three birdies but had to settle for a lowly score which was still better than several big-name golfers.

When he signed his card, Campbell was nine shots behind clubhouse leader Shaun Micheel of the United States. Micheel's two-under 69 made him one of just 10 players under par with about one-third of the field still to finish.

The 2005 champion was in a tie for 126th place and still a realistic chance of making the cut tomorrow.

Below him were the likes of former champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia on eight-over, while Spaniard Alvaro Quiros (79) and Korean Kevin Na (80) were other notables to blow out on the treacherous sea front course.

Campbell played the back nine first, where he shot five bogeys and a double bogey on the par four 15th hole. He bounced back on the first, fourth and sixth holes with birdies but spoiled that recovery with three bogeys on his final five holes.

- NZPA