Campbell has not won a tournament since 2007, when he landed the last of his four PGA Tour victories at the Viking Classic in Mississippi.

He is playing on a career money list exemption this season, and has had two top-10 finishes so far, already an improvement on the last two years.

This week is shaping up particularly well for the 41-year-old, after he opened up a two-shot lead over fellow American Brian Harman, with their compatriot Johnson Wagner tying for third on 11 under with Canadian David Hearn.

Harman went round in 67, Wagner took route 66, and Hearn enjoyed an immaculate 64.

There was no U-turn from Australian Robert Allenby who carried out his pledge to withdraw from the tournament after sacking caddie Mick Meddlemo midway through the first round following a disagreement over club selection.

Allenby said on Thursday he would not play on, and was true to his word.

His countryman Jason Day was back in contention towards the top of the leaderboard.

After going close at last week’s Open Championship, Day posted a 66 to reach 10 under.

England’s Luke Donald and Brian Davis survived the cut with nothing to spare on two under, but for Scotland’s Martin Laird it was a day to forget as he followed an opening 70 with a round of 80, while Graeme McDowell also failed to make it through to the weekend action.

Ricky Barnes made a 70 which meant he survived with comfort on six under overall, with the American’s round notable for the hole-in-one he achieved at the fourth hole, winning him a BMW sportscar.