WENTWORTH, England - It was left to coach Jonathon Yarwood to do the talking after Michael Campbell finished the first round of the BMW golf championships here today with a disappointing par 72.
New Zealand's Campbell produced an indifferent putting display on the "Burma Road" West Course to register 32
putts in a round that included two birdies as well as two bogeys.
The reigning US Open champion trails five players -- the England trio of Nick Dougherty, Paul Casey and Luke Donald -- along with South African Andrew McLardy in this 4.25 million euro ($8.73 million) tournament by five shots.
A further four players, Ireland's Peter Lawrie, England's David Howell, Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin and defending champion Angel Cabrera, of Argentina, are next best on four under par.
South African Ernie Els, who redesigned this Wentworth course over the winter, is among a group of players next, on three under.
Campbell had two three-putts in his round, at the par four eighth and then at the last.
But he was not alone in recording 32 putts on the rain-softened greens. Els shot 32 and former British Open champion Ben Curtis (US) had 34 in his five-over 77.
Campbell headed from the scorers' hut and declined to speak to reporters.
He later emerged to spend a few hours working on the driving range and practice greens and was watched by Yarwood.
"Cambo just had a bad day on the greens and it's as simple as that," said Yarwood.
"Some days the putter is hot and other days it's cold. Today his putter was cold so there is no cause for any concern.
"Cambo's game is very solid and I am very happy with how he is playing in the lead-up to his US Open defence.
"I watched highlights of his victory last year at Pinehurst and it actually brought tears to my eyes seeing how well he played that week.
"So I've got all confidence in Cambo playing just as well in a few weeks time at Winged Foot."
- NZPA
