July19 Campbell latest
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New Zealander Michael Campbell is the Open Championship leader in the clubhouse after a fine opening round of 68 at Carnoustie.
And the 38-year-old is not all that surprised by his three-under-par round, despite the difficult conditions that dogged his first 18 holes of the championship.
“I said to my coach, and my wife, that I wouldn’t be surprised if I was leading after the first round, I’ve been playing so well.
“What you put on the scorecard is a reflection of how you’re playing, and over the last couple of months I’ve been playing Ok. I changed to an Odyssey two-ball putter two weeks ago and it really helped me today. I think I holed three 30 footers so that definitely helps.”
Korea’s KJ Choi has has also enjoyed a good opening 18 holes, carding a two-under par 69.
The 37-year-old was not hampered by the rain that lingered over the course, and said he had prepared for the worst.
“Yesterday, I practiced anticipating the rain, so when it started today I wasn’t too concerned. In fact, I was pretty comfortable and I found my rhythm and had a good round.”
Choi, who has been in awesome form in recent weeks, also revealed what the KJ stood for and why he has adopted the initials.
“At the 1998 British Open, my first, I was announced as Kyung-Ju Choi. It’s a very difficult name and people get it wrong. KJ is very simple and the next day I was KJ Choi!”
Irishman Paul McGinley is currently leading the tournament on five-under through 13 holes. World No 1 Tiger Woods is two-under with a couple to play.
Picture by Getty Images
