Golf: Campbell, Smail make cut in British Open

ST ANDREWS - New Zealanders Michael Campbell and David Smail both made the cut in the British Open golf tournament today.

Campbell began his round on three under par but missed a number of birdie attempts early on to eventually par his opening eight holes before taking a double bogey at the ninth hole when his tee shot found one of the 112 bunkers at St Andrews.

He then produced four straight pars before a birdie at 14 and then more pars to then drive the green at the last and make the easiest of birdies.

"I was very frustrated with the first nine holes as I missed a lot of opportunities out there and despite being in a bunker pin high at the ninth hole, I was happy with the way I fought back over the back nine," Campbell said.

"The conditions were very trying as it was a long day but that is what you have to get used to here at St Andrews, what with the shared greens and the closeness of the inward and outward holes.

"But I retained my patience, as you have to, and it's just that this game deals you different cards and today I was dealt a bit of bad luck as we saw at the ninth.

"The course is starting to get very firey with the greens now really hard and fast and very, very bouncy.

"It is a very challenging golf course and I always enjoying competing here.

"But I do know to shoot low if I am going to have any chance because Tiger (Woods) is playing well and though I am eight behind him, anything is still possible."

David Smail made sure both New Zealanders will contest the closing two rounds.

The Hamilton-born player was the last player to putt out at 9.45pm (local UK time).

Smail's closing drive came to rest in the Valley of Sin from where he two-putted for birdie in an eventual level par 72 for a one over par tally.

Smail's birdie meant that an even 80 players from the 156-player starting field will play all four rounds.

But the 35-year old gave himself a fright when his second shot went through the green at the penultimate Road Hole and stopped just shy of the narrow bitumen roadway running behind the green.

Despite still suffering the ill effects of a nagging lower back complaint, Smail pulled off a superb chip shot to eventually save par.

"I got a bit lucky on 17 and it was just one of those chips shots that popped out and rolled onto the green nicely but I am wrapt to make the cut what with my injuries," he said.

"My back is still hurting but I was able to hit the ball much better and that is encouraging.

"Then at the last, I wasn't aware that I needed to birdie the hole but I guess I had some idea because when I watching TV coverage this morning, they were saying it would probably be one over par.

"But I managed to get it close to the pin and I was pretty happy to then knock in the birdie though given I did not play a practice round on Wednesday because of my back, there is no way then I would have thought I would make the cut.

"I couldn't hit it more than 100 yards on Wednesday so I am pretty happy right at this moment."

- NZPA