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DUBAI - Michael Campbell declared he had plenty of positives after carding a one over par 73 on the opening day of the Qatar Masters in Doha.
Campbell was returning to competition for a first time since missing the cut in last month's Australian Open in Sydney.
The former US Open champion recorded three birdies but also two bogeys and a 12 hole double bogey on the windswept course in the 2016 Olympic Games candidate city.
Campbell ended the first day of his 14th season as a member of the European Tour six shots behind playing partner, Lee Westwood of England, who signed off for a 67.
Westwood continued his superb start to the 2008 season to be tied atop of the board in the US$2.5 million ($3.33m) event with big-hitting South African, Anton Haig.
Westwood currently heads the European Tour Order of Merit after finishing runner-up in his only two events including last week's Abu Dhabi Championship.
"This is definitely my best start to any season because usually I am a slow starter," said Westwood.
"It's all do with fitness as I usually come out a bit lethargic and my muscles are not really working all that well, but I do a lot of work in the gym with the muscles you use in the golf swing and I feel very strong and everything just feels right."
Seven players are next best at three under par including Spain's Sergio Garcia along with former Qatar champions, Adam Scott of Australia and Henrik Stenson of Sweden.
Campbell commenced his 2007 year in Qatar with a 70 and whilst finishing on this occasion with a 73, he was still pleased with his effort.
"It was a decent first day back at work and I got a lot of positives out there," he said.
"I hit the ball quite nicely and that pleased me though I just didn't hole enough birdie putts but overall, I am very pleased with my day's work.
"It wasn't easy out there in the conditions and I also really enjoyed playing with Lee, as he is really on top of his game right now. So it was good to compare myself with someone like Lee and it's shown me that I am not too far away.
"We also played with Martin Kaymer who won last week in Abu Dhabi, so I'm fortunate these two rounds to be playing with two fellows who are right in form.
"But it was just good to get 18 holes of competition under my belt as it's been a long time since I last contested a tournament, and I know I am going to be a lot stronger as the week progresses."
The highlight of Campbell's round was holing a 35-foot birdie at his 10th hole whilst the low point was finding the water that guards the green at his 12th hole from where he took a double bogey.
- NZPA
