Golf: Campbell cut from European Open

Michael Campbell

STRAFFAN, Ireland - Michael Campbell's British Open golf preparations were given a jolt when he was bundled out of the European Open in Ireland today.

Campbell, winner of the event in 2002, carded disappointing rounds of 72 and 75 to miss the halfway cut by a stroke with a three-over-par total of 147.

Campbell's second round included two birdies, three bogeys but also a third hole double bogey.

It is only the third occasion in 11 years contesting the event that Campbell has missed the cut.

He was heading home to his Brighton base in England and will join coach Jonathon Yarwood in travelling to Hoylake early next week for a first look at this year's British Open host venue.

The duo, along with long-time caddy, Michael Waite, will get their first look at the course on Tuesday while the trio will remain in the area to play the course again on Wednesday.

Northland professional Alex Tait will be looking to join fellow New Zealander's Campbell and David Smail when he tees-up next week in a 36-hole British Open local final qualifier in England.

The former New Zealand cricket international will be among 288 golfers competing at four venues in the Liverpool area hoping to secure just one of the three places available at each venue.

Tait will tee-off first ahead of 95 other players at the Wallasey course, a short distance from the Royal Liverpool course Hoylake that will host the 135th British Open starting on July 20.

Tait is a former two-time Poverty Bay Open champion and competes regularly on the New Zealand pro circuit.

- NZPA