Golf: Campbell reaps benefits of rest

The advice of good friend and former All Black Zinzan Brooke turned around the golfing fortunes of Michael Campbell and sees him lining up against the world's elite in South Africa this week.

Tiger Woods and some other top-10 Americans were unavailable for the $US4 million ($9.96 million) Nedbank Challenge starting today in Sun City, leading to an invitation for world No 16 Campbell.

The field is headed by defending champion Ernie Els and other world top-10 stars Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomery. The first three pushed Campbell into fourth place on this year's European Tour.

After a slow period in the middle of the European season, Campbell bounced back late to win the German Open and, more recently, was third in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand.

The recovery helped the Wellingtonian's charge up the world ladder and the trip to Sun City.

"It didn't look like I would get here at one stage," Campbell said yesterday.

"I went through a run where I came close to winning a few times, but there was also a time when I was shooting 80s.

"It was in July-August and I went into the comfort zone that Zinzan had warned me to look out for. I had relaxed a little bit and when I shot 82 in the first round of the US PGA it taught me a lesson that you can't really afford to slacken off and expect the same results.

"I started working hard again and in the last five tournaments I've come second, first, third, ninth and third. Application does pay off."

But the hard work has caught up with the 31-year-old, who is looking forward to a break next month which he will spend with his newly expanded family.

Wife Julie gave birth to their second son, Jordan, in Sydney on Thursday and Campbell got to spend only a couple of days with him before flying out.

"The most important thing for me is having a balanced life and that is basically spending more time with the family and playing a few tournaments here and there," said Campbell, who has cut his Australasian Tour commitments down considerably.

"Australasian players are dying to start playing golf again now, whereas guys from the States and Europe need time off. That's why I've changed my schedule.

"The important thing is to not get too greedy. Right now is the silly season when you can make a lot of money, like here this week and at skins matches.

"You can tell that some guys need a break but keep playing.

"The doors have certainly opened for me in the last two or three months. I can pick and choose what I want to play in."

Campbell was nevertheless confident he could defend his Australasian Order of Merit title.

He made a good start in Thailand and believed victory in one of the lucrative tournaments such as the Heineken Classic in Perth or the Greg Norman Classic in February could be enough.

Campbell's first assignment in 2001 will be the world matchplay championships in Melbourne.

- NZPA