Golf: Disappointed Campbell quits US Tour

VERSAILLES - New Zealander Michael Campbell is abandoning competing fulltime in the United States and intends resuming his successful career on the European Tour.

Campbell confirmed yesterday from his British home in Brighton that he would return to Europe for the defence of his European Open crown starting on Friday at the K Club, just of south of Dublin.

"It has been a very frustrating 12 weeks competing in America, and also somewhat of a shock that I haven't managed to perform well," he said.

"But I realise I just seem to be a creature of comfort, and having won five times in Europe in the past 2 1/2 years is confirmation my comfort zone is the European Tour."

Last November, Campbell formally advised European Tour boss Ken Schofield that he needed to take his game to a higher level and that meant competing fulltime on the ultra-lucrative US Tour.

However, the move across the Atlantic has proved disastrous for the 34-year-old Campbell.

He started his new career in February at the Nissan Open in Los Angeles, but missed the cut with a 10-over tally.

A week later, Campbell was bumped out on the first day of the WGC-Accenture matchplay championship at La Costa, also in California.

Three weeks later, he teed up in the Bay Hill Invitational in Florida, but took a 10 on the opening hole before withdrawing after three holes, citing a back complaint.

He then endured one of the most embarrassing moments of a 10-year professional career by carding a horror 17-over 89 on the first day of The Players Championship near Jacksonville, but was then disqualified after signing for an 87.

Campbell missed the halfway cut in the US Masters for a fourth straight occasion and since then has sat out the weekend rounds in a further five events, including the recent US Open in Chicago and last week's Buick Classic in New York.

In the 14 events in which Campbell has competed this year, he has been unable to break par in any.

"Those 12 weeks in the US really did knock my confidence, and I know it's going to take some time to recover," he said.

"I thought to myself that I have a great house in Brighton and my wife and I having plenty of friends about us, and besides, I know everyone on the European Tour, so that's why I have decided to return."

Campbell said he would not completely turn his back on the US and would adopt the practice of other European Tour-based players and travel to America in the weeks leading up to the US-based majors and World Golf Championship events.

"Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke have taken out temporary membership on the US Tour and that allows them to compete in the events before the majors, and that's what I think I will do next year.

"I still have to get my head around competing in the US and I might try again in a couple of years.

"But compared to the US, it's far more harmonious competing in Europe and I've missed that aspect of life this year in the States.

"Ten minutes after they have finished their round the guys are back to their hotel room, taking room service, and in bed asleep by 8pm.

"It's a lot friendlier in Europe with everyone travelling and eating together, and I do have plenty of fond memories of playing so well on the European Tour."

- NZPA