Golf: Campbell named European tour's player of June

LOCH LOMOND, Scotland - New Zealand's Michael Campbell has been named the European Tour's player of the month for June after clinching his maiden major title at the United States Open.

The 36-year-old held off a charging Tiger Woods in the final round at Pinehurst, North Carolina three weeks ago.

Campbell became only the second New Zealander, after Bob Charles at the 1963 British Open, to win a major.

"I am very delighted to receive this award," he said in a statement released by the tour on Friday.

"I've been on a rocket ride for the last few weeks and every so often I get flashbacks to what happened at Pinehurst.

"Really, it's been a wonderful month and the US Open win has been a life-changing and career-changing event. I've enjoyed the journey immensely."

Campbell held off competition from Frenchman Jean-Francois Remesy, who completed a successful defence of his French Open title in front of huge crowds at Le Golf National in Paris two weeks ago.

A panel comprising players and journalists honour the best performance each month by a tour member on the European circuit and in worldwide competition.

- REUTERS