Golf: Campbell gets early shot at top-10 place

LONDON - Michael Campbell's target of a top-10 world ranking by the end of the year could be achieved within the next fortnight if the 33-year-old can shine in his next two events.

Campbell, who climbed 13 places to No 16 in the global standings with his one-shot victory in the European Open at the K Club in Dublin on Monday, is playing in this weekend's Scottish Open at Loch Lomond and in the British Open that follows.

Generous world ranking points are on offer at both tournaments and, if Campbell can maintain the form he produced for 68 holes, before a dicey finish in Ireland, that top-10 target could be realised.

"Winning again 18 months after my last win in the Heineken Classic is huge for my confidence for the next two weeks, but there is still room for improvement," he said after collecting his fifth European Tour title.

"I want to improve by at least another 20 or 30 per cent, iron out a few creases or faults, and play even better these next two weeks."

Campbell will not have to wait until next week's British Open at Muirfield, the third of the year's four major championships, before testing his game against some of the world's top players.

Ernie Els and Jose Maria Olazabal return to the European Tour this week to play in the Scottish Open, along with a strong American contingent, including 1997 winner Tom Lehman, Brad Faxon, Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar.

The battle for this year's European order of merit title is also bound to heighten over the next two weeks, with Campbell now in contention after climbing to fourth place following his first prize of more than NZ$1 million in Ireland.

South African Retief Goosen, who tied for second at the K Club behind Campbell, will be trying to fend off seven-times European No 1 Colin Montgomerie and Els. Those two are ranked second and third on the European money list.

- NZPA