Campbell & Tamori hold off big name pack

Colin Montgomerie became the latest fully paid up member of the Paul Lawrie fan club at the Smurfit European Open at the K Club.

Europe's number one fired a first round 67, five under par, to share second place with newly crowned Open champion Lawrie and six others, one adrift of leaders Michael Campbell of New Zealand and Japan's Katsuyoshi Tomori.

But he was in no doubts that Lawrie deserved the most credit for his opening effort just 12 days after his dramatic play-off victory at Carnoustie.

"Whatever happens today, even if someone goes out and scores 63, this day belongs to Paul Lawrie," said Montgomerie, who finished in an eight-strong group in second that included former Masters champion Ian Woosnam, Kent's Peter Mitchell and Sheffield's Malcolm Mackenzie.

"That score of 67 was a fantastic effort. People were anxious to find out what sort of reaction he'd have - he's had a very busy week off the course - and to come here and score 67 round a tournament venue like this is a very, very good effort and all credit to him.

"It's easy for me, I didn't win the Open last week. It's not easy to actually focus on what he's trying to do but he did and it's a hell of an effort on his part.

"It's very difficult to focus coming off a win like that. I've been very close and it's difficult to get yourself 'up' for the next week and do well.

"He'll be an asset at the Ryder Cup in Boston, very much so. He's been a good ball striker for a long time and probably just hasn't believed in his own ability and that's a lot of people's demise out here.

"All Paul needed was that one breakthrough and I think he'll go on from strength to strength now."

Lawrie was equally pleased with his own efforts on his return to competitive golf after a round which contained eight birdies and three bogeys.

"I felt very comfortable and didn't feel really nervous," Lawrie said. "It was nice to get back to work and do what I'm supposed to be doing.

"I feel my attitude is a lot better this last six months and when I have a good attitude I play well. I think now being the Open champion I have to be careful what I do after a bad shot and what I say, (not) throwing clubs or whatever.

"My attitude's been a bit dodgy in the past but I've been working on it for a long time with Dr Richard Cox and hopefully we're on the right road."

The 30-year-old from Aberdeen is paired with Ryder Cup captain Mark James in the first two rounds and enjoyed the experience of playing with James, even if it was only to pick up some much-needed advice.

"I asked Mark for his phone number so that my wife Marian can phone his wife because she's panicking about what to wear at the Ryder Cup!

"That's all we talked about going down the 15th."

Reminders of the Open were never far away however and Lawrie admitted to "a wee chuckle" to himself when he reached the 15th green to see his name and that of Jean Van de Velde on the leaderboard.

The Frenchman could not maintain his excellent start but did manage a creditable two under par 70, despite another trip to a water hazard that brought memories of his last hole collapse at Carnoustie flooding back.

His tee shot on the eighth hole was pulled well left into the River Liffey but this time there was no chance of him removing shoes and socks and wading in after it.

"I would have needed a scuba diving kit or a submarine. It was way too deep," Van de Velde joked.

"I got off to a great start but on the back nine started feeling shattered, I was really tired. But if I can manage to play under par here I'll be delighted.

"Coming to the last everyone was clapping and being very nice, people were behind me."

For Campbell his opening 66 was proof that he is back on track after two years in the wilderness when he considered quitting the game altogether.

The 30-year-old Kiwi shot to prominence when he led the 1995 Open at St Andrews after three rounds before finishing third but then suffered tendonitis in his wrist sparking a rapid decline in form.

"That really set me back," Campbell said. "It happened in December 1995, I was told to take six months off but after three or four weeks I wanted to get back again.

"I came back too early in January and did more damage and it went downhill from there. I couldn't string two or three shots together and it got to the point where I was going to chuck it in.

"My family and friends were fantastic during that period and plied me with a lot of confidence and now I can feel that slow progression to playing well again."

Sergio Garcia recovered from his Open traumas with a 71, Nick Faldo fired a 70 while Lee Westwood compiled a 69.