Signed Cambo flag goes for $25,000

A Napier woman has paid $25,000 for a Michael Campbell-autographed flag from the 18th hole at the US Open.

To loud applause and cheers, Marlene Robins dug deep last night at the Te Awa Winery, in Hastings, during a fundraiser for the Hawke's Bay Opera House in Hastings.

She also received two kisses from the New Zealand golf star as part of the deal.

She said: "I feel that Michael - from such a small country, to win the US Open and the President's Cup - has really brought New Zealand into the world and that's what we really need."
While she had "a few" wines with the three- course dinner, Mrs Robins assured everyone she wasn't going to wake up and wonder why she spent so much money on the memorabilia.

Labour member of Parliament Rick Barker, confessing to feeling nervous about bidding for the flag with someone else's money using a cellphone, went up to $23,000.

The charity dinner raised $60,000.

As for the flag, Mrs Robins intends to hang it up somewhere in her home with the many trophies she won while involved in the horse racing industry in her home country Canada.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY