Golf: Campbell weaves some old magic at Irish Open

Michael Campbell. Photo / Greg Bowker

Michael Campbell has rediscovered some magic of old to propel himself into prominence at the Irish Open.

The 2005 US Open champion posted his best round in more than three years, as a five-under 66 left him in a tie for third place after the opening 18 holes at Killarney yesterday.

The Wellingtonian is three shots behind the leader, India's Jeev Milkha Singh, and one behind Alexandre Kaleka, of France.

Campbell made his move on the back nine of the 6548m layout, picking up five strokes on the journey home after having made the turn even with the card.

An eagle three at the 475m par-five 16th highlighted a round which featured five birdies and two bogeys.

The 42-year-old, who has not won an event since triumphing at the 2005 World Matchplay Championship, has periodically showed signs of emerging from a long slump this season.

His stroke average of 72.58 through 18 events on the European Tour represents an improvement of 3.5 shots per round on last season while his statistics for driving accuracy and greens hit in regulation are also vastly superior to 2010.

Another New Zealander, Mark Brown, is sharing 70th place after posting a round of even par 71 containing a lone birdie to compensate for a lone bogey.

Rory McIlroy showed his temperamental side after blowing an early lead, double-bogeying the 18th hole then insulting a critical commentator and telling him to shut up.

Fresh from his 1-under round of 70, McIlroy fired off a riposte to the Twitter account of American analyst and former pro Jay Townsend.

"Shut up. You're a commentator and a failed golfer. Your opinion means nothing!" wrote McIlroy, the 22-year-old prodigy from Northern Ireland.

Joining McIlroy at Killarney, a resort town backed by stunning views of Ireland's largest mountain chain, were British Open winner Darren Clarke, last year's US Open champ Graeme McDowell and three-time major winner Padraig Harrington.

But outshining the local stars was Singh, who hit a career-best 63.

Singh hit an eagle and six birdies, the highlight a 6m chip uphill into the cup on the 12th.

"I think it's one of the best putting rounds I've ever had. I nearly holed everything today," said Singh, 39, who is making a comeback after serious back problems last year.

McIlroy, who fizzled at the British Open two weeks ago, looked early on like the man to beat, making birdies on four of the first 10 holes. Then the accuracy of his drives deserted him, leading to a bogey on the 12th.

On the 14th, he struck a nearly impossible shot, hooking a ball around a large oak and on to the green to salvage par, and his magic touch appeared restored. McIlroy estimated it hooked 50 yards within a 125-yard distance.

But his gambling ways produced two mistakes on the 18th. First he drove into a bunker, then his attempt to find the green found a pond, which brought the blast from Townsend, related to McIlroy by friends.

Several commentators and former players called McIlroy's "insulting" tweet immature and unwarranted.

- NZPA, AAP