Golf: Cambo introduces helping hand for youngsters

NEW YORK - Michael Campbell launched the Michael Campbell Foundation on the international stage yesterday as the golfing world focused on the US Open.

He spoke of the foundation he has set up to help young New Zealanders in the game at a pre-Open media conference at the Winged Foot club in Mamaroneck, New York.

The Open champion said he hoped to inspire and motivate young New Zealanders, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to take up and improve their golf.

He planned to raise funds for the foundation through donations, hosting corporate golf days and dinners and by pledging a percentage of his endorsement deals.

Campbell said he would continue to support the Ronald McDonald House in Wellington, the New Zealand Junior Golf Foundation and Winning Edge (Wedge), an initiative where promising New Zealand golfers will benefit from his scholarships each year.

"I am proud of my indigenous culture, my country and the opportunities golf has provided me," he said.

"This is what keeps my feet on the ground. Given my position, I have the ability to raise people's spirits, make them feel good about themselves, give them hope for the future and that is what the Michael Campbell Foundation will be all about."

Prime Minister Helen Clark sent a message to be read out at the function, saying New Zealand was extremely proud of Campbell's Open victory. "Michael Campbell's US Open win last year was one of New Zealand's greatest sporting achievements," she said.

"It was a triumph of immense skill, determination, and perseverance. The victory and manner in which it was achieved was a source of great pride for our country.

"I welcome the news that Michael is to establish a new entity to generate and distribute money to his charitable interests.

"This is consistent with his goals to help, inspire, and motivate young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. I wish Michael every success."

Campbell said he knew what it felt like being given a helping hand from junior level.

"The New Zealand Junior Golf Association really helped me a lot from when I was a 10-year-old," he said.

"So if I can inject funds into golf development in New Zealand, who knows what the youngsters can achieve?"

The Wedge programme would put together about 15 events in New Zealand, where young men and women could play alongside each other.

"You can hit balls on the range until you are blue in the face, but the most important thing you cannot do is replicate the feeling of competing, and that's what we're trying to do back in New Zealand right now."

Campbell indicated that the winners of each division would travel to the US and spend an all-expenses-paid week with him and his coach, Jonathon Yarwood, at the Sarasota Club complex in Florida.

Phil Tataurangi, who is also playing in this week's US Open, welcomed the news, saying the programme could help more New Zealanders play in the Open.

"Initiatives like what Cambo has announced are just fantastic for the game back home," he said.

"More young New Zealanders coming up through the junior ranks hopefully will one day make it on to the main tours around the world."

- NZPA