Golf: Smail solid in Japan

New Zealand golfer David Smail tee's off. Photo / Getty Images

Former New Zealand No 1 David Smail had a solid start at the Mizuno Open on the Japan Golf Tour today, opening with a one under par 71.

The Waikato professional is in a share of 41st place, with the top four players at the tournament earning the right to join the world's best at the Open Championship at Royal St George's.

The New Zealand Open champion of 2001 used the tournament to qualify for the Open Championship in 2009 when he finished runner up to Japan teen sensation Rio Ishikawa.

Ishikawa is once again in the mix, with a five-under 67 one back from the leader. The other New Zealander in the field, Richard Lee, is off the pace with a five over par 77.

On the Nationwide Tour, bad weather has interrupted round one of the Mexico Open.

Only 72 of the 144 players completed their first round because of rain. Among those was New Zealander Josh Geary, who was even with the card after 13 holes.

The Tauranga pro, who recorded two top 10 finishes in the past two weeks on the Nationwide Tour to climb to 39th on the Order of Merit, had an up and down round that included three birdies and three bogeys to be in a share of 66th place.

Compatriot Brad Isles was also affected by the weather. He was one over the card as he got through 12 holes to be in a share of 88th place.

In Germany, the two New Zealanders in the field have work to do if they want to make the cut at the BMW International Open on the European Tour.

Michael Campbell, who missed the cut at last week's US Open at Congressional with rounds of 75 and 77, carded a five over par 77 to be out of contention in a share of 146th place.

Mark Brown, currently 150th on the European Tour Order of Merit, shot a four over par 76 to be in a share of 135th place.

- NZPA