Campbell keen to get back in the swing

Michael Campbell is keen and eager to get going again in this week’s Johnnie Walker Classic at The Vines near Perth.

The US Open champion’s only appearance this season was a month ago at the Mercedes Championships in Hawaii, where he finished fourth.

“Last week I was watching a bit of golf on TV and I could feel my fingers and feet tapping because I’m ready to go now,” said Campbell.

He believes his familiarity with the course is his ‘15th club’, adding: “Winning twice here it’s obviously a golf course I really understand. I’m fresh and it feels pretty good.”

Favourite for the title is world number three Retief Goosen, who was sixth in Dubai on Sunday in his first tournament of the year.

“I’m feeling confident with my putting,” said the South African.

“I putted very well last week, but I just need to get it a bit closer to the flags or get it on to the fairways from the tees and then give myself a better chance.

“I need to get my ball-striking back in shape. I know I’m not hitting my irons as good as I did a few years ago.

“Hopefully this week I can find my swing early on and put a few good rounds together and give myself a chance at the weekend.”

Other top names in the field for an event tri-sanctioned by the Asian, European and Australasian Tours include defending champion Adam Scott, compatriot Robert Allenby, Scotland’s eight-time European number one Colin Montgomerie and former US Masters winner Fred Couples.

Today Goosen, Campbell, Montgomerie and Scott were depicted in a two-metre high, 35-ton Mount Rushmore-inspired sand sculpture on Cottesloe Beach to mark the launch of the tournament.