Michael Campbell's appointment at Buckingham Palace

Michael Campbell

NEWPORT, Wales - New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell will end his reign as US Open champion with an audience later next week with the Queen.

Campbell and his family will attend Buckingham Palace next Friday where Campbell will be presented with his Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Arrangements for Campbell's investiture have been known for some time but it was only after he missed the cut in the Wales Open that Campbell disclosed the visit.

"I am really looking forward to attending Buckingham Palace and whilst I met the Queen and Prince Phillip about 10 years ago, it will be the first occasion I have visited Buckingham Palace," said Campbell.

After receiving his award Campbell will then travel to New York for the defence of his US Open title starting on June 15 at the Winged Foot club north of New York City.

And Campbell declared his US Open preparations remain on track despite missing the cut in the Wales Open.

Campbell bowed out of the event after rounds of 75 and 66 for a three over par total of 141 on the Roman Road course at Celtic Manor in Wales.

It left next Campbell missing the cut off mark by three strokes and trailing second round leader Robert Karlsson by a further 14 shots.

Karlsson leads the field by three shots from the England trio of Paul Broadhurst, Phillip Archer and Simon Dyson.

It is the third occasion in seven European Tour Order of Merit events this season that Campbell has not played all four rounds.

He missed the cut in February's Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth and then failed by a stroke in making it into the weekend rounds of April's US Masters.

Since Augusta, Campbell has competed in Europe finishing fifth in the British Masters, 12th in the Irish Open and 37th in last week's BMW Championship in Surrey.

Campbell was struggling in the Wales Open.

"I knew it was a fairly hopeless task after the first round so today was about practicing for two weeks time, that's how I treated it today," said Campbell.

"But my US Open preparations are not affected by missing the cut and if anything, I'm just kind of looking forward to the weekend off and rest up and get a few things done."

While Campbell looks forward to the week with his family and a visit to Buckingham Palace many of his European Tour colleagues will be reaping the rewards of contesting next week's Barclays Classic also in New York.

Campbell's present US Tour restriction of only being allowed to contest seven US Order of Merit counting this year meant the New Zealander had long ago turned down an invite to contest the tournament.

When quizzed again on the issue Campbell snapped: "I'm not playing Westchester as I'm not allowed to.

"It's the PGA Tour as they have banned me as I didn't play enough events three years ago when I joined the Tour.

"I just don't understand the Tour at all, really, on why they they're doing that. I know they have rules and regulations to protect their tour but right now they're not doing a good job.

"Many of the US Tour sponsors are pretty angry with what's going on as I'd love to play a few more tournaments in America but I am restricted from doing so but maybe next year."

Instead, Campbell will remain at his Brighton residence and also practice on his game at the Sussex National course.

- NZPA