Campbell aiming to get back in the swing

MICHAEL CAMPBELL might be the only golfer who has ever caused government business to be halted.

That was five years ago on the day he held off Tiger Woods to become US Open champion and the first Kiwi to lift a major title since Bob Charles in 1963.

It was such a big thing in New Zealand that Parliament was suspended so members could watch the final few holes. Later a homecoming parade was organised for the proud Maori.

That was the obvious high point of the 41-year-old’s career. But there have also been lots of lows and the latest wretched run of form prompted him to go onto his own website recently to deny he was on the verge of quitting.

“I wanted to reassure you all that I am certainly not thinking about retiring,” stated Campbell.

“I feel that some throwaway comments I made last week while still consumed with the disappointment of such a poor couple of rounds were misinterpreted.

“I’ve had some nice messages in and that is why I wanted to take the time to assure you that I am more determined than ever to find my form and get back to my best.

“I have been practising hard and working out intensively and I am actually striking the ball great on the range, but it isn’t translating yet.

“I will persevere as I am absolutely determined to get myself back up those leaderboards.”

That came before the Dubai Desert Classic, but playing there alongside Europe Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie Campbell opened with an 81, dropping eight shots in his last eight holes, and failed to make the cut – for the 25th time in 28 events.

That stretch goes back nearly 15 months and he has now fallen to 513th in the world. Nine years ago he was 12th.

Campbell, first name on the entry list for this week’s Maybank Malaysian Open, has been plagued by a shoulder injury, but he also points to a change in focus following his major win.

The father-of-two told the Sydney Morning Herald in December – he has moved his family there from Brighton – that charity work played a part in his declining fortunes.

Campbell recalled receiving a letter from Jack Nicklaus after his Pinehurst triumph. It not only congratulated him, but also said: “Look Michael, now it’s your turn to give back.”

His own foundation was established, but Campbell commented: “I must say I did get a bit distracted with off-course activities, which I take full responsibility for.

“I don’t blame anybody else, it’s my fault. The better you play, the more exposure you get. The more exposure you get, the more people want to be involved in your charities.

“I went the other way. I played less and focused more on my charities and my golf suffered. It’s a catch-22.”

He has resolved to be more devoted to his career again, but still wants to help where he can and says: “I was brought up with the philosophy that you were brought up with two hands – one to receive in life and the other to give back.”

As well as earning himself a 10-year pass on the European Tour by becoming a major champion Campbell earned a five-year exemption into The Open and The Masters.

He will now have to qualify for The Open again – as he did the US Open the year he won it – but what could be his last trip to Augusta National comes in April.

Campbell has played there nine times in all, but has yet to survive the halfway cut and last year had a worst-ever 80 on the first day and finished joint 90th of the 96 players.

The rollercoaster nature of his career should encourage him that all is not lost yet and so should David Duval’s comeback.

Out of nothing almost – seven missed cuts out of nine – the former world number one was desperately close to winning last June’s US Open when ranked 882nd and a few weeks ago he was a runner-up again at Pebble Beach.

Now he is just outside the world’s top 100 again and is back in The Masters thanks to his performance at Bethpage Black last summer.

* MAJOR-winning caddie Greg Rita died on Saturday three years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The 54-year-old helped Curtis Strange to successive US Open titles and John Daly to the 1995 Open. He also caddied for Duval for a spell.