Golf: Campbell decides to complete Irish Open

DUBLIN, Ireland - Michael Campbell has had a change of heart and will remain in Ireland to play the final round of the weather-plagued Irish golf open.

The New Zealander was considering withdrawing from the event when heavy rain halted play at about noon on the final day today and suggestions that a full 72-hole should be played.

That would have been unfair to the current leader, Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke.

Campbell, the US Open champion, had dropped two shots in 14 holes to slip to two over par for the event before organisers abandoned play for the day and announced the final round would be replayed the next day - tonight NZT.

The decision handed Clarke an opportunity for victory as he was two shots clear of the field on six under par through eight holes.

Sweden's Peter Hedblom and England's Paul Casey and Ross Fisher were on four under.

The tournament was affected by the weather earlier as well, with a six-hour delay on the first day caused by strong winds.

"The course was right on the border of being unplayable most of the day and it's been the coldest and the wettest I have ever felt on a golf course," Campbell said.

"It's been a real test of patience and endurance all week from the very first day. The wind was so strong it was blowing golf balls off the greens.

"If they had decided to continue (to replay 72 holes) tomorrow I was considering pulling out and heading straight home (to Brighton in England) tonight. Everyone is just so tired."

Ryder Cup hero Clarke had a total score of six under and rain and strong winds dominated the course.

- NZPA