HOYLAKE, England - New Zealand golfer David Smail had an unexpected practice round with world No 1 Tiger Woods today as they prepared for the British Open.
Meanwhile, leading New Zealand hope Michael Campbell practised on the Royal Liverpool course with in-form American Phil Mickelson, the US Masters champion.
Smail was the first out on the course at 6am, hoping to work on his own quietly for the 135th Open, starting tomorrow.
The Hamilton-born golfer was going down the second when Woods, his coach Hank Haney and New Zealand-born caddy Steve Williams were on the first.
"Tiger got stuck behind a four ball going up the first and he'd seen me by myself and asked if he could join me," Smail told NZPA.
Smail and Campbell have played against Woods and David Duval in a World Cup.
Smail was paired with Woods in the first two rounds of the New Zealand Open at Paraparaumu , near Wellington, in 2002.
"He played great today, he hit some superb long iron shots," Smail said.
"I have to be honest, it was a little intimidating playing with Tiger. I went out at 6am purposely to play a round by myself.
"When Tiger plays practice rounds, he doesn't hang about. I like to spend my time hitting more than one ball off the tee and then chipping and putting a bit around the greens.
"I did feel a bit awkward, but it was great to play alongside him as you can always learn."
Smail arrived at Hoylake late last week after qualifying by finishing second in the Mizuno Open, in Japan.
Campbell and Mickelson played with American Fred Couples, himself a former major winner.
"It was good to watch closely ... the hottest player (Mickelson) in the world right now and see how he plays the course," Campbell said.
"He's like a local out here now as he's probably played the course about 10 times since coming over three weeks ago."
Campbell said the round was invaluable to play in the wind, as windy conditions were expected when the Open began.
He will have another practice round today.
"The course is rock-hard and I do feel it's peaked too soon," he said.
"I know the (organisers) would want to have these fiery conditions over the weekend, and not in the days before the start of the championship.
"They had to water the greens every two hours or so."
- NZPA
Golf: Smail has practice round with Tiger
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