Golf: Campbell, Long off the pace

Michael Campbell. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand golfers Michael Long and Michael Campbell are handiliy placed after the first round of the Australian Open at The Lakes course in Sydney today.

The veteran pair sit in a share of 31st after shooting rounds of one-under 71, leaving them six shots behind the pace of Australian lone leader Matthew Griffin.

Campbell got a boost from an eagle on the par-five 14th hole to cancel a couple of bogeys on the back nine while Perth-based Long mixed four birdies with three bogeys.

New Zealanders Mahal Pearce and Gareth Paddison were a shot back in 48th on even par.

Griffin led by a shot from John Senden, with a third Australian, Alistair Presness third on his own on four-under.

- NZPA