New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell reckons he is owed a French Open title twelve months after letting victory slip through his fingers in one of Europe's oldest events.
A year ago Campbell saw his chances of a ninth European Tour victory end despite a bizarre third round 68
that handed him a one-shot lead. It came only after he hit out of bounds twice on the National Club course in Versailles.
Another of Campbell's shots in that third round effort went crashing into exhibition tents down the right side of the 17 th.
His ball ricocheted into and back out of the tents and was then helped back into bounds by an unwitting woman spectator, who dribbled it soccer fashion.
But Campbell was eventually overhauled on the final day by England's John Bickerton, shooting 73 for a share of third.
"That was one of most bizarre rounds of golf I have ever experienced and one event where I should have won," Campbell said ahead of the tournament teeing off tonight (NZ time).
"If so, it would have been my first stroke-play win since the 2005 US Open but as it stands, if I win this week, it will still be my first win since my Pinehurst win."
Campbell felt positive in today's pro-am round, estimating he was four-under through the first eight holes.
"You don't want to waste all your birdies in the pro-am, do you?" he said.
"But after what happened last year I do feel this course owes me one and I am quietly confident of correcting what occurred last year."
Campbell's return to the European Tour comes after his 58th placing at the US Open.
He felt his form was on an upward curve following a series of missed cuts before the golfing Major.
"It had been a frustrating period for me leading up to the US Open but to make cut with a 10-over par tally after two rounds and right on the cut-off mark is usually not something that you brag about," he said.
"But that's just the way the Oakmont course was playing and to play all four rounds was pleasing."
Campbell said the hard, fast nature of the National Club course would suit his buildup to the British Open although rain had softened the surface considerably.
- NZPA
