KEY POINTS:
CAMPBELL FANS GET SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT
Michael Campbell's advice to the 100 or so spectators following him in the lashing wind and rain yesterday morning went unheeded.
"I told them, 'go home, you look like drowned rats'," he quipped. They stayed, and were rewarded with a par round which left the world No 22 handily placed for the next three days.
LONG BACKS PERKS
Michael Long spared a thought for fellow Kiwi Craig Perks, after the 2002 Players Championship winner plunged to a 13-over 84.
"It wasn't a great day and he probably didn't enjoy it much. To all intents he's a major winner. I'm sure he'll bounce back. It's the Kiwi way."
SPECTATORS' CONTEST
A public hole in one competition is on each day during the Open. Spectators making a donation to the First Tee programme, which encourages young people into the game, can shoot at a simulated hole, with daily prizes as well as a trip on Emirates Airlines to Dubai from among the winners. Players acing the par 3 162m 8th will also win trips for two to Dubai with the airline. Another Open sponsor, Volvo, also has a car valued at $109,990 on offer for any player hitting a hole in one at the 169m 15th.
EX-CHAMPS' ACTION
Of the seven former Open winners in the 156-strong field, Long and Craig Parry had the best opening days, shooting 2-under 69s. Campbell was even par, Mahal Pearce and Peter O'Malley 1-over 72, Terry Price 70 and Peter Fowler had early trouble and bagged an 80.
