LOCH LOMOND: New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell had to overcome a swarm of sandflies before posting a competitive two-under 69 in the opening round of the Scottish Open yesterday.
That left Campbell in a share of 36th place after he had earlier moved to four-under before shelling
shots coming home.
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Swede Alexander Noren led after shooting matching 64s.
Campbell was the leading New Zealander, with Gareth Paddison signing for 70 and Mark Brown 73.
Campbell was left to play his round in relative peace until he reached the 17th tee where he and his French playing partners Jean Van de Velde and Jean Francois Lucquin were seen waving their arms about as they sought to fight off the biting insects.
"The midgees [sandflies] were just so bad but they've always been bad in that corner of the course as it's area that's protected so the air is always very still," Campbell said.
"But I was being bitten something terrible and I lost my concentration and rushed my shot because the midgees were biting us so bad."
It was just the second time this season that Campbell had bettered 70 in Europe. It could have been better, too, as he rattled home four birdies on the front nine before dropping shots at the 14th and 17th holes.
- NZPA
