Golf: Campbell slips back after third round

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland - New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell saw his hopes of capturing a first title in three years all but disappear with a 77 on a day when fierce winds and driving rain plagued the third round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

The conditions made a mockery of the efforts of Europe's best golfers with just six players in the field of 168 breaking par at either of the three host venues.

Germany's Martin Kaymer with a 73 and Sweden's Jarmo Sandelin with a 72 were at a windswept Carnoustie and lead the field at six under par.

Sweden's Magnus Carlsson who posted a 73 was in third place on five under par.

Campbell also at Carnoustie began his third round with bogeys at the first three holes and a double at the fourth.

A double bogey on the ninth saw Campbell's score balloon out to seven over par for the round and back to one over par for the tournament.

But with the wind behind him for most of the inward nine Campbell took advantage to record a 14th hole eagle and two birdies for an eventual 77 to finish at one under par and in a share of 18th place.

"That was one of the toughest days I've experienced for some time and it was just brutal out there," said Campbell.

"It's little wonder that there were not too many players who broke par today because the conditions were just so hard and we were getting blown around so much on the greens.

"It was disappointing to get the start I did but I managed to play the back nine in two under par.

"Hopefully I can get off to a good start tomorrow at St. Andrews and possible finish top three which would be a good reward."

- NZPA