Golf: Campbell shells out to help junior golfers

Michael Campbell

United States Open champion Michael Campbell put his money where his mouth was in Wellington yesterday after imploring New Zealand Golf (NZG) to do more to help young professionals.

A surprised Campbell was told the first professional contract he signed with insurance company AMP in 1993 contained a clause that said he would receive $10,000 if he ever won the US Open.

Campbell did just that last month to become just the second New Zealand golfer to win a major championship.

Campbell, who had forgotten about the agreement, promptly donated the money to junior golf.

Speaking earlier at NZG's Wellington headquarters, he urged the sport to seize the moment.

"I know you all want to hear me talk about the US Open, but to be honest, in my heart I want to talk about junior golf."

With prominent New Zealand amateurs Mathew Holten and Perry Hayman standing in the background, Campbell said too many young players' talents were being wasted after they turned professional.

He urged NZG's new board to "bang your heads together" to find a way to ensure the next generation was not "cast adrift".

NZG chief executive Larry Graham said the sport needed the help of national funding body Sparc to meet the challenge.

"It's no different to (rower) Rob Waddell or (cyclist) Sarah Ulmer getting $50,000 to do the best they can. It's the same for golf.

"Just because they have turned professional and are playing for money, it doesn't mean they are making money."

Former touring professional Greg Turner's company, Golf Tour of New Zealand (GTNZ), will play a key role in improving the transition from the amateur ranks.

GTNZ has set up an advisory board of Anton Oliver, Russell Coutts, Brett Steven, Tom Schnackenberg and Marnie McGuire to mentor players.

Turner said golf would not need as much funding from Sparc as other sports.

"We are not talking huge money. Golfers don't require total funding like other sports because they can earn and generate money themselves. They just need that leg up."

- NZPA