Reflecting on the differences in the game today and when he was competing in his prime, Michael Campbell found plenty of areas to outline.
“Technology, equipment, fitness and athlete mindset has transformed the game to a different level,” he said.
Campbell holds one ofthe most memorable victories in New Zealand golfing history, fending off Tiger Woods to win the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst No 2, which was but one of the accolades he picked up in the year. He went on to win the World Match Play Championship and be crowned European Tour Player of the Year.
It cemented Campbell’s status as a legend of the game. Twenty years on, the now 56-year-old is returning to play in front of his home fans, with Mānuka Doctor bringing him back to lead their legends team in next month’s Chasing The Fox exhibition.
New Zealand's Michael Campbell celebrates winning the 2005 US Open. Photo / Icon SMI
Campbell is one of five professional golfers confirmed for the event so far, alongside Amelia Garvey, Nick Voke, Ben Campbell, Kazuma Kobori and competition namesake Ryan Fox.
Unlike past years, Fox will also be playing in a team in a bid to ramp up the competition side of the event. His playing partner is yet to be announced.
It’s fitting, in a sense, that Campbell has signed on to play in the event.
Speaking to the Herald in 2024 ahead of playing the US Open at Pinehurst No 2 himself, Fox recalled watching Campbell’s triumph as he was just beginning on his own road in the sport.
“I think I took a couple of uni classes off that morning to watch it. I was probably just starting my journey as a golfer at that point, just starting to play some tournament golf and I absolutely loved it,” he said.
“I’ve got great memories of watching Campbell win and got very lucky a couple of years later at the New Zealand Open to sit down with him and talk through it properly.”
Mānuka Phuel Chasing the Fox
The event takes place at the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club on December 12 at 5pm. Tickets are on sale now.
Confirmed teams
Team Mānuka Doctor Legends: Michael Campbell, Carlos Ulberg, Eric Murray (chosen charity – Autism New Zealand)
Team She Loves Golf: Amelia Garvey, Tania Tare and Viv Lu (Halberg Foundation).
Team Campbell: Ben Campbell and Mac Boucher (Ronald McDonald House).
