Two Bites Of The British Open Cherry Left For Campbell
Bernie McGuire, Versailles
Wednesday, 30th June, 2010
Michael Campbell still has two bites of the British Open cherry remaining despite missing out in a 36-hole qualifier on Tuesday in Scotland.
Campbell posted rounds of 72 and 77 at the Kingsbarns course to the east of St. Andrews to miss out in securing one of the three top places on offer into next fortnight’s British Open.
Campbell wasted little time leaving the course and was heading straight for Edinburgh and a flight to Paris for Thursday’s starting French Open on the Le National Club course at Versailles.
Officials excused him from contesting Wednesday’s Pro-Am and instead Campbell spent time working on his game.
There are still two places available into the British Open with one on offer for the player finishing among the top-five this week and who is not exempt into the July 15th starting Major.
The same scenario applies at next week’s Scottish Open.
But the good news for the proud New Zealander is that he was delighted with his driving over the 36 holes at Kingsbarns.
He spoke at Kingsbarns to Trevor Peake, the R & A's respected Media Officer.
"I hit the ball great from tee to green, which was nice and I haven't done it for a very long time,” said Campbell.
“So there was signs of good progress there.
"But it's just my putting deserted me unfortunately. I had four three putts in the first round 72.
"Though the last round didn't really matter. I was even par after nine holes then I tried to be aggressive and took a triple on the hole so I wasn't going to qualify.
"But my ball striking was definitely a lot better and probably the best it's been all year."