Golf: Shoulder injury puts Campbell out

ORLANDO - A shoulder injury has sidelined Michael Campbell after just three holes on the opening day of the Bay Hill Invitational.

Campbell, New Zealand's leading golfer, first felt a twinge in his left shoulder after his first tee shot before deciding to withdraw after putting out on the third green.

"I just felt something in my left shoulder on my downswing and the more I played, the more intense the pain seemed to get," he said.

"There was no point in carrying on, especially as I have two big tournaments coming up in the next three weeks.

"It is naturally disappointing to have put in all the practice here in Orlando because it's a big tournament with a great field and great prize money.

"But rather than aggravate it, I thought it best I withdraw and have treatment on it."

Campbell was seven over par when he quit, having taken a six over par 10 at the first and then shooting a double bogey at the third.

He is hoping to play in next week's Players Championship.

The injury continues a disappointing start to Campbell's first full year on the United States Tour.

He missed the halfway cut in last month's Nissan Open and then was knocked out in the opening round of the Accenture Match-Play Championship.

Steve Alker and Phil Tataurangi, the other New Zealanders in the tournament, completed the first round with four-over 76s.

- NZPA