"I have to control my ball, have good course management and putt well and I did all that."

Campbell, 38, rediscovered his stomach for a fight after telling reporters he had somewhat sat on his laurels after claiming his first major two years ago.

He said a swing tip from Fijian Vijay Singh, the world number six, and a few happy hours watching a DVD of former Open champions Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player had got his competitive juices flowing again.

"It was all about my desire but now I've got that fire in my belly and I know I've got the game to win more major championships," said Campbell.

Brier, 39, overcame a double-bogey six at the fifth to pick up six birdies in his 68.

A group of three were in the clubhouse at two under, Woods, South Korean KJ Choi and U.S. Ryder Cup player Stewart Cink.

There were plenty of casualties, though, on a course reckoned to be the toughest on the Open rota. Three-times winner Nick Faldo stumbled to an eight-over 79 alongside former U.S. PGA champion Davis Love III.

Todd Hamilton, who won this title three years ago, slumped to an 81.

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