Less than 24 hours after bemoaning his indifferent recent form, Michael Campbell was at the top of the leaderboard in the early stages of the Scandinavian Masters today.

The New Zealander has not won a strokeplay event since his US Open triumph at Pinehurst last year, and has been frustrated by uncharacteristically poor putting.

But four birdies in his first seven holes at Barseback this morning took the 37-year-old into a share of the lead with Tom Whitehouse on four-under par.

It was no surprise to see several home players also high on the leaderboard given the 48 Swedes in the 159-man field. Pre-tournament favourite Henrik Stenson, playing alongside Campbell, was three under par with former Ryder Cup player Niclas Fasth two under after an eagle on the 12th.

Peter Lawrie heads the Irish challenge on the course having reached one-under through eight holes, with Gary Murphy (level), Stephen Browne (one-over) and Damien McGrane (two-over) yet to get under par.