Golf: Back to Europe, where the son shines

By WYNNE GRAY

An observation from his five-year-old son persuaded Michael Campbell his golfing future lay in Europe.

Everything looked idyllic for the Campbell family last year as they holidayed in the Bahamas, swimming, playing and relaxing while Campbell took time out from the PGA Tour.

It was a wonderful place, Campbell recalled in Auckland yesterday. After 10 days he turned to his son, Thomas, and asked him what he thought of the holiday destination.

"Daddy, I want to go home to my toys and my bed," was the reply.

With that answer, some indifferent form in the States and the constant grind of travelling with a young family, Cambo golf packed up and returned to its base in England.

"I was 35, had two kids, I had a go [in the States] and did not like it," Campbell said.

Named this week as New Zealand Golfer of the Year again, Campbell will take his game back to the States this year for a 12-event schedule starting at the World Matchplay next month.

That programme will include the three majors in the States.

He plans to play events leading into those tournaments instead of taking a break before majors as he did last season.

But the bulk of Campbell's tournament play will be in Europe where his fortunes returned in the latter half of last season.

He said his career was important, but having a settled family life was even more significant.

"Once things are harmonious for me the better I play," he said.

On tour this season, Campbell will wear his new clothing range, Kia Kaha, and play Callaway clubs in a change from a lengthy association with Nike.

He will be hoping the "Be Strong" apparel brand takes precedence over the Maori motif running down one sleeve which depicts a flounder.

In golfing terms that would be disastrous, although Campbell explained it was a symbol for prosperity.

Whether the highest-ranked player in the field at the New Zealand Open prospers this week at The Grange will depend on his fitness, the amount of trouble he avoids on the course and his familiarity with his Callaway clubs.

He is recovering from surgery after having a troublesome varicose vein removed from his left thigh.

He had no trouble walking, but was suffering a little discomfort twisting and turning during his swing.

He had been practising hard, he had done enough work to take the title, and "I am deadly serious about winning."

The Grange was in "good nick" and the greens were extremely good.

But the danger was that the course could dry out in Auckland's hot summer.

"It could be brutal if it is sunny for the next five days," Campbell warned.

The 2000 New Zealand Open winner was generous in his praise of compatriot Sir Bob Charles, who plays his last national event 50 years after winning the first of his four New Zealand Opens.

Ten years ago, Campbell played his first practice round with Charles as the pair prepared for the British Open at Turnberry.

"I asked him question and question and he just opened up," Campbell recalled. "He has been an inspiration for me."

He did not wish to emulate Charles' golfing longevity, but wanted to win a major like the famous lefty and pass on his knowledge to the next wave of NZ golfers.