Kiwi golfing legend Michael Campbell is feeling the nerves after six years out of the game but he's excited to get back on the greens at the New Zealand Open in Arrowtown.
The 100th edition of the event feels like a celebration of the sport in this country, so it'sfitting that one of Kiwi golf's favourite sons returns out of retirement to the tournament he won 19 years ago.
The 2005 US Open champion wants to "enjoy the moment" as he looks to use the event to kick-start his golfing career on the European Senior Tour and the PGA Tour Champions this year. But he admits coming back after so long brings with it some nerves.
"I'm pretty nervous I must say," Campbell said ahead of his first tee at The Hills tomorrow afternoon. "It's the first time I'm going to have a scorecard in my back pocket for six years. So that's a pretty cool thing. It's going to be interesting on the first tee."
But most of all, Campbell is excited to be back. The 100-year milestone of New Zealand's premier golf tournament was also not lost on Campbell, who himself recently surpassed his own milestone by turning 50 this month.
"I'm absolutely excited," he said. "That's why I'm here, that's why I flew 12,000 miles from Spain. I wouldn't miss it for the world.
"I mean, come on, your own national open, that I've been fortunate enough to win 19 years ago, turning a hundred, I'm turning 50, I'm half the age of the open – that's a pretty cool correlation there isn't it."
Michael Campbell at a press conference before the 100th New Zealand Open. Photo / Photosport
Campbell announced his retirement from elite golf in 2015 after being "burnt out" by the sport, while also going through a difficult period in his life.
But now he says he has "unfinished business" and wants to prove to himself that he can still play well and start winning again.
"I feel like I can actually do well out there again. It's amazing how things come back very quickly. Haven't played for six years, haven't practised for six years ... but it comes back very quickly, the feelings, the motivation, the confidence comes back very quickly."
He did, however, play down expectations about this week.
"I have no idea. I have no expectation. Obviously the expectation of people around me is high.
"I flew my coach over from America, we've been practising for the last week and a half, so it's serious still. I want to do well of course. But I don't know what to expect."
The NZ Open starts tomorrow at Millbrook resort and The Hills in Arrowtown.
