Golf: Campbell confident of breaking Augusta hoodoo

AUGUSTA - A fully-fit Michael Campbell is quietly confident of finally breaking his Augusta National hoodoo in this week's US Masters.

Campbell will tee-up on the Georgia golfing gem for a ninth occasion since making his debut in 1996, but still looking to play all four rounds for the first time in the new season's first Major.

The former US Open champion has gone close in playing all days on a number of occasions, including missing out by a single stroke last year despite carding a second round 71 that was his lowest score in 16 rounds of the course.

Campbell arrived into Augusta from Orlando on Sunday afternoon, playing the back nine holes soon after.

"It's great to be back but more so I am just so happy to be playing again, and five months is a long time not be competing," said Campbell.

"It's just great to be a part of this event and really, overall I am just excited to be back."

Campbell said the Dunhill tournament in Scotland last October was the last time had had played four rounds. He had tried to play a few tournaments at the end of the year but his shoulder wasn't strong enough.

He played the CA Championship at Doral a few weeks ago, but put down missing the cut to not having played much recent golf.

"Doctors have given me the okay with my shoulder so it's fully fit and I'm back to full health. Getting back to 100 per cent fitness could not have come at a better time than this week at Augusta National.

"So I'm thrilled to be here and despite the frustration of the past few years when I've missed the cut by a stroke, I just have to go out there this week and enjoy the occasion .

"Hopefully, after going so close to play all four rounds it will be pay back time this week."

However Campbell will need to make the most of his opportunities as his five-year exemption for winning the 2005 US Open expires at the completion of the 2010 US Masters.

Campbell will either need to win the Masters or alternatively finish top-16 to be afforded an automatic return or get back into Augusta each year if his world ranking was inside the top-50 each March 31st.

But having won a US Open championship, there is nothing like a Major to stir Campbell's spirits despite Augusta National's 7435 yard torture test.

"I've chosen two tough tournaments to come back to, the CA Championship in Doral and now Augusta National," he said.

"The good aspect about Augusta is I know the course very well and we all know this game is full of surprises.

"I got a great buzz yesterday driving back down Magnolia Lane and hopefully that will be the case when I drive back out to the front gates on Sunday afternoon."

- NZPA