Golf: Lee makes strong start

Danny Lee. File photo / APN

New Zealand No 1 Danny Lee has carded a five under par 67 in the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA tour to share 17th place.

Lee, who last week made a hole in one in his second PGA Tour event for 2012, finished strongly with four birdies in the final six holes at Torrey Pines in California.

Lee had seven birdies and two bogeys throughout his round at the US Open venue in San Diego.

The former US Amateur champion is five shots back from Americans Spencer Levin and Kyle Stanley who share the lead after shooting 10 under par 62.

Meanwhile, on the European tour, former US Open champion Michael Campbell has struggled in his return to tournament golf at the Abu Dhabi golf championship in the United Arab Emirates.

The 42-year-old shot a seven over par 79 at the Abu Dhabi golf club to be in 124th place after round one, a distant 12 shots back from leaders Rory McIlroy and Robert Karlsson who both carded 67.

Campbell had six bogeys and a double bogey, as he battled with his game in his first appearance for 2012.