Campbell's namesake at all the big occasions

US golf open winner Michael Campbell's family (L-R front): nephews Dylan and Michael, mother Maria; (L-R back) sister Michelle and father Tom at Titahi Bay golf club in Wellington. Picture / Fotopress

As a new mother to a baby son, Michelle Campbell couldn't understand why no one had come to the hospital to visit.

But it was July 21, 1995 and her family and friends were all at home, glued to their televisions, as her brother led the field in the British Golf Open.

When Michelle found out the reason for their absence she decided there was only one name for her new baby - Michael Campbell.

Yesterday, 10 years later, Michael Campbell junior joined his family at the Titahi Bay Golf Club to celebrate his uncle and namesake's historic win at the US Open.

The nine hole Titahi Bay course, with views to the top of the South Island, was where Campbell first played the game and yesterday, the club members watched as "their Michael" beat the best in the world.

There were none more proud than Campbell's parents Tom and Maria Campbell.

On Sunday night, Campbell had rung them and had amazed his parents by his composure and confidence.

"Especially as I was a nervous wreck," said Tom Campbell. "The family and I feel really proud of Michael's achievements. It has always been his dream to win a major since he was young - he has fulfilled his dream."

Tom Campbell said three months ago his son had told him he was going to have a good year.

"He has never said that to me before. This is just the start I think."

Family and friends had gathered at the club at 7.30 yesterday morning to watch the game on television.

As the historic win looked more and more likely, beer began flowing, but this changed to champagne when Campbell took the title.

Sam Scarlett, a 20-year veteran of the club, remembers helping Campbell wag school so he could join the older men on the golf course in Paraparaumu.

Other members have memories of Campbell as a teenager out on the windswept course, avidly practising no matter how bad the weather got.

As for Michael Campbell junior - he is pretty pleased with his uncle's win, but he doesn't think golf will be his game. Rugby, he says, is his and his brother Dylan's sport of choice.

But with the golf course just down the road from home, where his grandfather Tom looks after the greens, it might not be long until there is another Michael Campbell conquering the greens at Titahi Bay.