Golf: Cambo teams up with Gregan at Augusta

NZ golfer Michael Campbell is drawing on the high pressure experiences of Australian rugby great George Gregan. Photo / Brett Phibbs

AUGUSTA - New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell is drawing on the high pressure experiences of Australian rugby great George Gregan as he practises for this week's US Masters.

Gregan and Campbell's long-time coach Jonathan Yarwood have accompanied him on the first two days of practice at Augusta, Georgia.

Gregan has represented his country more than any other rugby player but it is his first-ever visit to Augusta National.

He is a guest of Campbell and, aside from being behind the ropes supporting his fellow Sydneysider, is also living at the house Campbell has rented in Augusta for the week.

The former Wallabies captain, who plays off a seven handicap at Royal Sydney, got his first look at Augusta on Sunday when he travelled with Campbell down Magnolia Lane in the gleaming white courtesy car Campbell has this week.

First stop was the stately Augusta National clubhouse, where the trio had a late breakfast before Campbell headed for the new state-of-the-art practice range.

"When George walked into the Augusta clubhouse, his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree," Campbell said.

"He was so excited and he's had a great time since coming over here."

Gregan had flown to Florida where he caught up with Campbell and Yarwood at Yarwood's Golf Academy south of Tampa on Florida's west coast.

Campbell also intends drawing on Gregan's knowledge of competing at the highest level to finally break his horrific run of having missed all halfway cuts in his nine Augusta National appearances.

"George and I have been friends for a long time and he's achieved so much in his sport," Campbell said.

"But since coming over to the States, he's said to me that he can't believe how much time we put into our sport.

"He didn't really realise until he watched me on the range and then this week what is the extent of my preparations ahead of Augusta.

"And we've sat down and talked about how he coped with various situations when captaining Australia and how that can benefit me. So in many ways, while he's my guest this week, I will be able to draw on his knowledge and hopefully that can help me."

Campbell arrived at the course early afternoon local time on Tuesday ahead of playing a late nine-hole practice round.

Sensibly, he and Yarwood found the only bit of shade from the heat and that was under the cover of a tree planted on the far right edge of the new state-of-the-art practice range.

It was also just prior to arrival at Augusta that Campbell learned his opening round tee time of 10.57am local time and competing in the company of England's Simon Dyson and American Ben Crane.

"It's a pretty good tee mid-morning so I am happy with that," he said.

"I know Simon pretty well as we compete on the European Tour and Ben seems a great chap so it should be fun."

Campbell will wind down his preparations by playing nine holes on Wednesday morning before Gregan caddies for him in the Par Three Contest.

- NZPA