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DOHA - New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell will tee off in this week's Qatar Masters in Doha, his first competition since missing the cut in last month's Australian Open.
The 2005 US Open Champion is coming off a disappointing year and has dropped to 188 in the world rankings, but is anxious to kick-start his 15th year on the European Tour.
"I've had a good break and now having wiped the 2007 slate clean, I'm anxious to get back into competition and get my 2008 campaign off to a positive start," he said.
"I decided to work pretty hard on my fitness during the Christmas and New Year break so as to better prepare myself for this year."
Campbell had been working with a new personal trainer for the past two months.
"I do feel a lot leaner and fitter, and I've also lost a bit of weight so that's why I'm excited about these two weeks."
Campbell had been practising his golf game and was working on his routine.
"It's been very simple and nothing too technical. I remember adopting a similar sort of approach to my golf four years ago and it was that sort of attitude that helped me win the European Open."
Campbell has been drawn to play along German sensation Martin Kaymer and England's Lee Westwood for the opening two rounds of the US$2.5 million ($3.31 million) event.
Both men are ranked inside the top 35 in the world, while Campbell is 188th.
"I'm not worried about my ranking because I know that will improve with a few results," he said.
"All I am focusing on is just playing golf and the basic things in life and hopefully everything else will fall into place."
Campbell intends remaining in the Middle East to contest next week's Dubai Desert Classic, where world No 1 Tiger Woods will defend his title.
He will then return to his Sydney home before teeing-up in the New Zealand PGA championship, beginning February 14 at Christchurch's Clearwater course.
- NZPA
