Golf: Campbell begins build-up to the 'big one'

Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell is determined to make the most of his final six weeks as the reigning US Open golf champion.

For the New Zealander, back in Britain for the British Masters starting tomorrow night (NZT), it will be the first of four events leading into the Open starting on June 15 at the Winged Foot course just north of New York City.

He has spent the past month at his new Sydney home since missing the cut in the US Masters.

He joins the best in Europe teeing off at Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, just outside Birmingham in the English Midlands.

It was at this tournament last year that Campbell began his US Open campaign in earnest when he stormed his way to a three-stroke third-round lead before eventually finishing second in a three-way play-off.

Three weeks later Campbell attended a two-round US Open qualifier at the Walton Heath course in Surrey.

He was among a handful of players who were successful in qualifying for the Pinehurst event.

Then the Wellingtonion became only the second New Zealander, after Sir Bob Charles, to win a major when he brilliantly kept Tiger Woods at bay to claim golf's second-oldest major by two strokes.

After four months of light work this year, Campbell said there were many similarities in the lead-up to the US Open this year to last year's campaign.

"My results this year haven't been all that pleasing as I have missed five cuts and I got beaten in the first round of the Accenture Match-Play Championship in February," he said.

"But what has happened this year is so similar to last year. I did exactly the same thing last year, missing five cuts and then came out and started playing well.

"I played well in this event last year and that helped build up my confidence.

"So that is the plan again this year."

Campbell said it had been a quiet season for him so far and he had played in just six tournaments.

"I have done that purposely as I needed a rest mentally and physically," he said.

"But now it is time to do some work, grind and work on my game, and time to go out and play golf.

"Though the routine of playing golf for me is an easy part of my life, sometimes when you stop that routine for a while it becomes disjointed so it's nice to be back again."

In contrast to last year's Forest of Arden course, the British Masters this year has switched to the Belfry scene of Europe's stunning Ryder Cup victory over the Americans in 2002.

But it's a course on which Campbell shared a third place finish at the Benson and Hedges International Open in 2002.

"I have played the Belfry about a dozen times and it is a very challenging course," he said.

"The last hole is probably one of the toughest on the European Tour and then when you get on the green you can easily three or four putt.

"My mind is on doing well again this year as I am still really motivated from winning the US Open.

"When you taste that victory and taste that first major, you want more. I do."

Campbell will tee off in the first round of the £1.8 million ($5.40 million) event in the company of Padraig Harrington and England's Nick Dougherty.

- NZPA