WENTWORTH - New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell has always intended to exert pressure pressure on his upcoming US Open rivals but he didn't count on intimidating one of his BMW Championship pro-am playing partners.
The New Zealander was approached just minutes before tee-off in today's gala pro-am at Wentworth, Surrey by one of his amateur partners.
After introducing himself Robert Birmingham, a 50-something Englishman who plays off a five handicap said: "I am so nervous playing alongside you that I have taken two valium pills and had a lie down just to calm myself."
At the time, Campbell was on the practice putting green beside the first fairway and moments away from walking to the nearby third tee to start the event.
Birmingham then told Campbell:
"I am walking now to the third tee by myself to try and calm myself further."
The reaction certainly brought a smile to both Campbell and his coach Jonathon Yarwood ahead of the 4.24 million euro ($8.81) BMW Open starting tonight (NZT) on the Ernie Els redesigned Wentworth course.
"His remarks really took me by surprise and I didn't know what to say to him. A pro-am is a low key affair and it's all about having fun," Campbell said.
"But Robert will be okay and I will make sure he has a relaxing day."
Among those also competing in the pro-am was England's rugby halfback Matt Dawson, comedian Ronnie Corbett, England soccer star, Teddy Sherringham, former Welsh rugby and rugby league star Jonathon Davies and Irish singer Ronan Keating.
- NZPA
Golf: Campbell gives playing partner the jitters
Michael Campbell
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