New Zealand's Michael Campbell kisses the trophy after winning the 105th US Open golf tournament in North Carolina today. Picture / Reuters
PINEHURST, North Carolina - Michael Campbell this morning became only the second New Zealander to win a major golf championship, winning the US Open by two shots from world number one Tiger Woods.
Campbell held his nerve over the closing holes to fire a one under par 69 to finish
even par for the tournament, two shots clear of Woods who also closed with a 69. The overnight leader, Retief Goosen, lost his nerve and crashed to a disastrous final round 84.
Michael Campbell becomes the first New Zealander to win one of golfing's 'majors' since Bob Charles won the 1963 British Open.
The stunning performance by Campbell, who began the day four shots behind third-round leader and defending champion Retief Goosen.
He received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Campbell's coach, Jonathan Yarwood, says he has finally delivered on his immense potential.
He says Campbell has always had a great deal of latent talent and today that has come to the fore.
Jonathan Yarwood says the future for Campbell is very exciting.
The man himself could hardly believe his achievement. He told the crowd at the priegiving ceremony he has worked really hard for this moment, and the ups and downs of his whole career have been worth it for this moment.
He says right at the back of his mind, all through the day, was the memory of Sir Bob Charles' British Open win in 1963.
Meanwhile, watching at the Titahi Bay Golf Club in New Zealand was Michael Campbell's father, Tom, who lined up amongst those who crowded in to watch the historic win.
He says he was never nervous about Michael's game and always believed he would come through.
He says his son told him he was planning to play conservatively, and he pulled it off.
Tom Campbell is now looking forward to some big celebrations.
He says it has always been his son's goal to win a major, and he is looking forward to his son going forward to even greater achievements.
- NEWSTALK ZB
