NEW YORK - Michael Campbell's reign as the US Open champion ended in a whimper for the New Zealand golfer today.
Campbell exited the championship after rounds of 75 and 77 left him in a share of 82nd place and three shots shy of making the second-round cut.
He was
in illustrious company though, being joined on 152 by his playing partner, world No 1 Tiger Woods.
Campbell won at Pinehurst last year by shooting an even par 280. In two rounds here, he had 20 pars, 14 bogeys and two birdies.
He, Woods and the third member of their group, US amateur champion Edoardo Molinari, of Italy, were all nervy on the difficult Winged Foot greens today.
"All three of us struggled from the same disease, you could say," Campbell said.
"Nothing happened for us at all, for the three of us guys, as we just really struggled on the greens but that's life."
Campbell's putter deserted him, as reflected in his statistics of 37 putts yesterday and 33 today.
"I really was surprised by the greens today and I really didn't do my homework," he said.
"I got a bit frustrated out there today especially after missing a few very, very short putts, a few putts within two feet, and I also rushed my pre-shot routine a little bit and that was from frustration."
Campbell said it was important he learned from his mistakes this week as he looked to improve his overall results in the majors.
"This week was a lesson for me, and I need to go back and reflect on it and learn form it and hopefully learn for the next time, and that lesson is just patience.
"This game of golf is about patience and this week more than anything requires patience, and today was a prime example.
"You must carry on and besides there are lots of US Opens to go in my career, so I'm looking forward to that. I'll put this behind me."
- NZPA
