Michael Campbell, Danny Lee pay for fades

Late dropped shots have proven costly for the two New Zealand golfers in action on the world's leading tours.

Michael Campbell has enjoyed one of his better days on the European Tour this year, finishing the opening round of the French Open in a share of 42nd after an even-par 71 at Le Golf National in Paris.

The former US Open champion whose struggles have continued in 2012 was nicely placed at three-under through 11 holes but a double bogey at the 15th and a bogey at the penultimate hole wiped out his good work.

Christian Nilsson of Sweden is the first round leader after a six-under 65 gave him a one-shot advantage.

At the Greenbrier Classic on the PGA Tour, New Zealand No 1 Danny Lee was one-under through 14 holes and without a bogey but he gave away three shots in his final four holes, with a double bogey and a bogey.

That saw him sign for a two-over 72 and leaves him well off the pace, in a share of 113th.

Fijian Vijay Singh has the clubhouse lead after a seven-under 63.

Lee is coming off his second disqualification in five tournaments for signing an incorrect scorecard. He's also had a withdrawal this year.

- © Fairfax NZ News