Editorial: A new star joins the immortals

Opinion

Just one entry on a golfer's curriculum vitae, the winning of a major title, separates the great from the good. It signifies a player with the natural ability and, even more importantly, the mental fortitude to triumph at the highest level in this most fiercely contested of sports. Michael Campbell's talent has never been doubted. Until yesterday, however, many, including the player himself, queried his mental strength. "Every time I've got to a major, I tense up a bit," he once said. The questioning can now end. In winning the 105th United States Open at Pinehurst No 2 in North Carolina, Campbell has entered the ranks of the great.

His triumph bears testimony not only to the psychological demands of the game but also the hard slog demanded of even the highly talented. It is 13 years since Campbell was at the forefront of New Zealand's victory in the international amateur showpiece the Eisenhower Trophy and was instantly proclaimed ready to take on the world. His career since has been marked by sporadic success - highlighted by a third-equal in the 1995 British Open and a run of victories in 1999-2000, including the Johnnie Walker Classic - and depressing losses of form, injury, and thoughts of retirement. "Flattered to deceive" appeared likely to be the summation of that career.

The reasons have been much debated. Too much advice from too many quarters, perhaps. An inability to relax during the big occasion, as commented upon by the player himself. Mentioned more rarely, however, was the sheer difficulty of competing at golf's top level. Many of this country's most promising youngsters have soared and burned, unable to compete in either temperament or technique.

Nowhere is the game tougher than in the US. And nowhere has Campbell struggled more. He once lamented that on the occasions he had clashed with the great Tiger Woods outside the US, he felt comfortable. But once in Woods' backyard, he played poorly. "Outside America, I seem to raise my game a bit more," he observed.

In point of fact, Campbell struggled to adapt to the pressure and intensity of the US game. He felt far more comfortable in Europe, and played better there. It was, therefore, an ominous sign for his opponents when he noted after the third round of the US Open that he was feeling "quite comfortable, being among the best players in a major championship".

For whatever reason, - and the decision to hire coach Jonathan Yarwood full-time must have played a part - Campbell suddenly found everything jelling. This was the moment when he could confirm beyond doubt that he could compete against, and beat, the best on one of the world's biggest stages. The circumstances would have floored anyone burdened by mental fragility. Starting the final 18 holes four shots behind Retief Goosen, a player with a reputation for closing out major events, was daunting enough. But then, as the round developed, he also had to withstand the charge of the frequently unstoppable Woods.

Campbell won not just because of mental toughness. In finishing even par, and two strokes clear of Woods, his enormous natural ability was obviously to the fore. But so, too, was the accumulated wisdom of a 36-year-old professional player. Once he would have tackled Pinehurst No 2 aggressively; now he was prepared to take a conservative, respectful approach. It was the right formula. Campbell was the only player to match the course's tough demands.

It is now 42 years since Bob Charles became the first New Zealander to win one of golf's majors. That span hints at the magnitude of Campbell's achievement. This will always rank as one of this country's great sporting triumphs. It also points to the endeavour, attitude and application that will be required of our next major winner.