Golf: Campbell misses cut in final round before US Open defence

Michael Campbell

NEWPORT, Wales - New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell missed the cut in the Wales Open today, his last competitive round before defending his US Open title.

Campbell shot a three-under-par 66 for a three-over 141, at least three shots worse than the predicted cut-off and 12 strokes behind leader Phillip Archer of Britain.

He said his disappointing performance at Celtic Manor would not affect how he plays at Winged Foot from June 15-18.

"My game's fine. I got a few clubs wrong in the wind in the first round and I just didn't putt well," he told reporters.

"The greens at Winged Foot are going to be twice as fast, how I like them, so hopefully I will be putting up a better defence than it looks from my scores here."

Campbell is taking a week off before flying to the US next weekend, having recorded finishes of fifth, 12th, 37th and the missed cut in his four events since taking a long holiday in Australia.

Archer's overnight nine-under-par mark after his record-equalling 60 in the first round, was not bettered by Friday morning's field.

Portuguese Jose-Filipe Lima came closest to catching Archer, who had an afternoon tee-off. Lima shot 61 to move within a stroke of the lead on eight-under-par 130 for his two rounds.

Despite the short course and players shooting low scores, two more of the Wales Open's chief attractions, Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam and holder Miguel Angel Jimenez, also missed the cut.

- REUTERS