Golf: Kiwi pair set up camp mid-field

Michael Campbell lines up a putt on the 8th green during the first round Royal Birkdale. Photo / AP

New Zealanders Michael Campbell and David Smail battened down the hatches in nasty conditions, sheltered in the middle of the British Open golf field after the first round at Royal Birkdale this morning.

Campbell shot a five-over 75 and Smail was one shot behind him as both battled strong winds and intermittent rain that lashed the famous English course.

Both made shaky starts but didn't let their scores blow out as happened to some other big-name players.

Campbell slipped to three-over after a double-bogey on the par-four sixth hole.

He also shot six bogeys and three birdies on a roller-coaster day in which his approach play was largely on song.

"I made 12 out of 14 greens (in regulation) so ball striking was very pleasing," Campbell told reporters.

"I just have to work on my putting right now."

World No 131 Smail bogeyed seven of his first 13 holes but avoided any more over the closing stages. He shot a birdie on the par-five 17th.

- NZPA