Campbell opens up big first day lead

New Zealander Michael Campbell stormed into a six-shot early lead in the English Open on Thursday with a 63.

Campbell matched Colin Montgomerie's Forest of Arden course best with the lowest round of his career -- but the score will not count as a record because preferred lies were in operation on the wet fairways.

He used the controversial 'ERC' trampoline-effect driver and scattered the field with nine-under-par figures.

Playing-partner Lee Westwood, who beat Tiger Woods at the European TPC two weeks ago and tied for second place at the British PGA championship on Monday, was in a group on 69.

Zimbabwe's Mark McNulty, Frenchman Benoit Teilleria and Britons Gary Orr and Peter Mitchell also shot 69s.

Defending champion Darren Clarke carded a 70.

Campbell celebrated his U.S. Open invitation by chipping in for his first birdie at his second hole. He went on to add an eagle and seven more birdies -- five in succession from his eighth hole.

One bogey, at his fifth hole, prevented him beating the record.

"It's my best as a pro or an amateur," said Campbell, adding that a pro-am round with Michael Slater and Ian and Liam Botham, then playing with Clarke and Westwood, spurred his success.

"Rubbing shoulders with guys like Ian Botham and Darren and Lee, made me feel like a winner again.

"I'd been lacking motivation a little since my three wins this year and sometimes you need a nice wake-up call to let you know you have the ability to do the same as the top guys.

Campbell was also lifted by a telephone call to his home on Wednesday telling him he had an invitation to the U.S. Open in two weeks' time.

"It's a huge compliment," added the New Zealander, "and a great boost to my confidence to get that kind of respect from the USGA because there are 10 other guys above me on the world rankings."

A switch to the ERC driver three weeks ago, helped him in his quest for a second European Tour success of the season after victory over Woods among others last November in the Johnnie Walker Classic, his maiden title at the start of Europe's 2000 order of merit.

"I'm hitting the ball 10 or 15 yards further and I'm now up with Darren and a little bit past Lee," said Campbell.

"But I'll have to go back to my old driver when I go to Pebble Beach."

The USGA has banned the ERC, so Campbell will have to make his Pebble Beach debut without it.

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