New Zealand amateur golfer Danny Lee has won over another knowledgeable convert as he lays the groundwork for a switch to the professional ranks.
"I think Tiger Woods will see him in his rear view mirror in the next few years," is the verdict of experienced caddie Michael
Waite, who toted Lee's bag at last week's Australian Masters.
Waite walked away from Huntingdale convinced Lee will enjoy an extraordinary career once he decides to turn professional.
The 18-year-old US Amateur champion finished a highly commendable 11th equal in the Australian Masters, but Waite reckoned Lee could have won the tournament had his putter been better behaved.
"He has oodles of talent and his game is very solid. He is the full package," said Waite, 44, a caddie for 21 years who has spent the past 10 years working fulltime for Campbell and was at the player's side when he won the US Open in 2005.
The Masters marked Lee's fourth appearance in a professional tournament and the third time he had made the cut. His win in the US Amateur in August earned Lee an invitation to the first major of 2009, the Masters, at Augusta in April, after which he is expected to turn professional.
Waite, a Gold Coast-based New Zealander, was at Lee's side at Huntingdale after a shoulder injury sidelined Campbell.
"He finished 11th and didn't putt that well. I honestly thought he could have won it had all of his game been in synch," said Waite.
"He struggled on the greens a bit, he struggled with his speed and had quite a few three putts. That's no big deal, that happens, and it was just one of those weeks."
Waite said Lee was very receptive to advice, ranging from on-course matters such as yardage to off-course considerations.
Waite is more than happy to caddie for Lee at next week's Australian Open in Sydney if Campbell is still sidelined. He has now entered a job-sharing arrangement with English bagman Peter Coleman to carry Campbell's clubs.
"If it was 15 years ago," he said, "I would seriously consider working for Danny fulltime."
- NZPA
