Golf: Campbell continues love affair with Wentworth

New Zealander Michael Campbell drew on his fondness for the famous Wentworth course course, just south of London, to card a 68 and put himself well up the leader board at the halfway stage of the European Tour's 4m euro ($7.17) BMW championship.

Sweden's Peter Hedblom will take a commanding three-stroke leading cushion into the third round after a seven under par 65 and an 11-under par tally.

Hedblom, currently ranked 240th in the world, bogeyed his first hole but then birdied five holes in succession mid round and two of his closing three.

Ireland's Paul McGinley carded a 64 to be next best on eight under par, one clear of Perth's Nick O'Hern, who produced a flawless 69 as he continues to chase a first European Tour success.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington and Sweden's Peter Hanson are tied in fourth spot on six under par.

Campbell shares sixth place with four others including Australia's Peter Lonard and American Ben Curtis, the shock winner of the 2003 British Open.

It's been a decade since Campbell finished second in his maiden Wentworth appearance and the New Zealander again showed his liking for the for the Surrey course and the BMW with his four under par 68.

He finished tied second in this event in 1995 just a shot behind the winner Germany's Bernhard Langer, whilst he was fourth two years running in 2001 and 2002.

"I have always enjoyed driving through the front gates and competing at Wentworth every since I first played here ten years ago," Campbell said after completing his second round.

"The course just seems to suit my game and having played so well in the past does add to your confidence standing on particular tees, knowing that the hole you're about to play has been a reward hole."

The highlight of today's round played in warm, sunny conditions was his eagle on the 17th.

Campbell recalled he had a similar five-metre putt in his encounter with Britain's Nick Faldo in the World Match-Play Championship at Wentworth three years ago.

"I was standing over my eagle putt on 17 today and I recalled that I was staring at the same putt I had when I played Nick," Campbell said.

"I just drew on experience of knowing the line of the putt and all I had to do was hit it inside the left cup and it went it perfectly, and just as predicted.

"It was some encounter Nick and I had, and I finally managed to defeat him at the 43rd hole.

"But that was all in the past and after some good results this year, I am pretty excited about what lies ahead throughout the remainder of 2005.

"My game is coming back and I've finally turned the corner thanks to the input of my coach, Jonathon (Yarwood), and the work I am now doing with my 'mind man' Nick Hastings."

- NZPA