Senior comeback scares Cambo
‘Spare tyre’ has to go as NZ star contemplates return to competitive golf via the European Tour
First, he must get rid of the “spare tyre”. Then it will be down to golf business for a nervous Michael Campbell, who outlined to Radio Sport his plan to get back into competitive golf via the European Tour.
Campbell’s one major aim is to be on the European seniors tour next year — he turns 50 in February 2019.
Having officially retired two years ago, though the reality is he’s been out of top golf since 2013, the 2005 US Open winner intends playing five to 10 events on the European Tour where he has a lifetime exemption.
He will head to America next month to work with his coach Jonathan Yarwood and hopes to be back playing a month or two after that. He would like to play in Australasia and did not rule out playing in the New Zealand Open in early March, although he did not sound overly committed to that idea.
“I’m not expecting too much [on the European tour],” he told Radio Sport from his home in Spain. “I need to lose my spare tyre first to have a chance — the kids these days are so good, hit it so long, I’ve got to choose golf courses carefully and probably play courses I’ve played well on beforehand.
“I can’t compete against these guys who hit it over 300 yards, 350 yards. I have to play in tournaments and courses which are a little bit shorter. The game has changed completely since four or five years ago when I stopped playing.”
One of the joys of having a break
was being able to spend quality time with his sons, aged 19 and 17. “[The break] has been great really. I’ve really enjoyed it and I didn’t touch a golf club for 18 months believe it or not.
“I’ve only played five times a year, I need to amp it up a bit, practice and play more.
“I’ve been establishing two golf academies here in southern Spain, it’s fun giving back to the game which has given me so much. I’ve got 50 kids I’m teaching — my adrenaline rush. Now it’s time to be a bit more selfish and focus on my game more.
“It exciting but I’m also nervous about it. I may not like it after three or four months on the road.”
He was looking forward to catching up with old mates and their families — players including Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and John Daly.
Does he often reflect on the US Open title, when he held off Tiger Woods?
“Not really . . . the trophy sits on my mantelpiece and I pass by it every day, yes I do stop and look at all the names, what I achieved. I’ll never forget the amazing incredible scenes back home , I’ll never forget that, don’t get me wrong,” he said.
“Coming back home for those 10 days, two weeks to share my success with all my people was even better [than winning it] to see all the smiling faces and the kids playing golf again.”
While the game has evolved, Campbell not spent much time watching it do so.
“I don’t watch golf on TV — only the majors, especially if a friend is leading,” he said.
“It’s bizarre because that was my life, for 25 years as a professional. But the last thing I want to do is watch it. I’d rather do it than watch it.”