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CARNOUSTIE - A compilation DVD of former British Open winners and a tip from world number six Vijay Singh helped inspire Michael Campbell to a first-round 68 on Friday (NZ time).
His three-under-par effort represented a welcome return to form for the 38-year-old New Zealander, who has struggled
since winning the US Open and World Match Play Championship in 2005.
Campbell was in for third place with Markus Brier of Austria, US Open champion Angel Cabrera of Argentina, 18-year-old British amateur Rory McIlroy and American Boo Weekley.
"I was watching a DVD of all the past champions of the British Open about two months ago," Campbell told reporters.
"It showed Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson winning. It got the juices going and really inspired me."
Although many may be surprised to see his name featuring so prominently at rain-soaked Carnoustie, it was something the player himself had predicted.
"You're probably all surprised, aren't you?" he added. "I'm not. I was talking to my wife and coach the last couple of days and I said it wouldn't surprise me if I'm leading after the first round, I'm playing so well.
"It's been quite a torrid last couple of years but the most important thing I've done is stay patient." A new putter also seemed to prompt a change of luck on the greens.
"I changed to a 'two-ball' putter two or three weeks ago, that helped," said Campbell. "I think I holed three 30-footers out there today.
"It felt hard to get up in the morning and play. It was all about my desire but now I've got that fire in my belly and I know I've got the game to win more major championships.
"It took me two years to recognise I need to reset my goals and to have the goal of winning majors, rather than just one."
Fijian Singh also played an instrumental role in getting the Kiwi back on target.
"I remember talking to Vijay about two months ago in the PGA Championship at Wentworth and he said, 'One thing I've noticed over the last year or so, your rhythm has got quicker'.
"He gave me a tip, 'Michael, just work on rhythm and routine'. Ever since then I've been working on my rhythm and routine. It's simple stuff but it really paid dividends today."
The only other New Zealander in the field, Steven Alker, was in a provisional tie for 76th after carding a three-over 74 which included two birdies and five bogeys.
- REUTERS
