Golf: NZers go backwards at Winged Foot

Michael Campbell lines up a putt during this morning's frustrating round at Winged Foot. Picture / Reuters

New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell made an unconvincing start to his defence of the US Open crown in New York today.

Campbell posted a five-over-par 75 in the opening round at Winged Foot to be in a share of 52nd place, six shots behind the clubhouse leader, Colin Montgomerie, of Scotland.

He had particular difficulty on the troublesome greens, requiring 37 putts during a round which included five bogeys, including three in succession from the 13th.

Compatriot Phil Tataurangi endured a nightmare of a round, opening his account by shooting a thoroughly inadequate 16-over-par 86.

After pre-qualifying for the year's second major this month, Tataurangi encountered problems immediately on a notoriously difficult course, running up a triple bogey seven on the opening hole.

His predicament barely improved after that as a succession of bogeys saw him tumble to the bottom of the field.

In all, Tataurangi recorded just five pars -- alongside 11 bogeys, one double bogey and one triple bogey to be 156th and last.

The New Zealanders were not alone in their struggles, with scoring high and world No 1 Tiger Woods himself shooting 76.

US OPEN - LEADERBOARD AFTER 1ST ROUND

1st Colin Montgomerie 69

2nd= David Howell 70
2nd= Jim Furyk 70
2nd= Phil Mickelson 70
2nd= Steve Stricker 70
2nd= Miguel Jimenez 70

7th= Geoff Ogilvy 71
7th= John Cook 71
7th= Kenneth Ferrie 71
7th= Graeme McDowell 71
7th= Vijay Singh 71
7th= Mike Weir 71
7th= Fred Funk 71
7th= Kevin Stadler 71

52nd Michael Campbell 75

156th Phil Tataurangi 86

- NZPA