Golf: Campbell pleased by 69 opener at Loch Lomond

Michael Campbell ended a long spell of nondescript scoring on the first day of the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond yesterday.

Campbell fired a two-under 69, his first under-par score in nine months. It left him in a tie for 28th.

This score is the first occasion he's broken 70 since a third round 65 on route to capturing third place in last September's British Masters at The Belfry near Birmingham.

Another New Zealander, Mark Brown, was a shot away with a 70 which put him in a group in 52nd.

Brown's score provided some consolation after a 79 on the opening day of last week's French Open.

Australia's Richard Green recorded an eagle and six birdies in a 64 to finish one stroke clear of the field on seven under par in the £3 million ($7.8 million) event.

"It was a nice start to the round and something that I can build on," Campbell said. "I putted well today with just 24 putts and that is always going to help a lot.

"I still have to sort out my driver but it's definitely nice to break 70 for the first time this year,"Campbell added, who finished runner-up at the Scottish Open to Frenchman Thomas Levet in 2004.

If Campbell makes the cut it will be for the first time since October last year.

- NZPA