Golf: Campbell rides home rock star status in US

Michael Campbell says the reception he has had in the US makes him feel 'like a rock star'. Picture / Reuters

Spurred on by a "rock star" reception, Michael Campbell celebrated another top-10 major golf championship finish today and said tiredness cost him a winning chance.

New Zealand's US Open champion completed his third top-10 finish in as many majors in 2005 with a one-under-par 279 in the US PGA Championship in Springfield, New Jersey.

Campbell birdied the par-five 18th for a one-under final round of 69 at Baltusrol Golf Club, just before lighting forced the tournament into a fifth day.

He was tied for seventh with South African Retief Goosen and Australian Geoff Ogilvy, three shots behind leader Phil Mickelson who was four-under with five holes remaining.

"I had a big two weeks, 10 days in New Zealand then flew over here. I've been travelling a lot and I was just a little bit tired, mentally and physically," Campbell told reporters, rueing his opening round 75.

"Over the last four days it held me back a little bit and cost me probably two or three shots.

"But I can look back on this week as a pretty good performance."

Regardless of his performance at Baltusrol, Campbell's status as a favourite among the US galleries was already sealed with his breakthrough Open victory at Pinehurst in June.

"The reception I've had from the US public has been wonderful. I feel like a rock star.

"They're yelling and screaming my name, it's just wonderful to have that respect from the fans in the US. I'm very, very appreciative."

Campbell began today's final round six shots behind co-leaders Mickelson and Davis Love, but a charge at the lead was ruled out when he bogeyed the first hole and ended the front nine one-over.

He also bogeyed the par-four 10th before notching his first birdie on the par-four 11th.

He added birdies on the 14th and 18th to dip into red figures for a third successive round.

"After my first round it was nice to come back and play well for my last three, so I'm very happy."

Campbell will now reap the rewards of his stellar year on golf's biggest stage which included a fifth placing at last month's British Open.

His world ranking is sure to climb further from 20th, and this week he will play the WGC-NEC Invitational for the world's top-50 players in Akron, Ohio.

Then next month he will play in the International team against the United States in the prestigious President's Cup in Virginia from September 20-25.

"I love playing President's Cup, I love the team aspect and I can't wait."

- NZPA