Golf: Campbell to bypass Scottish Open to be with parents

Michael Campbell

VERSAILLES, France - Michael Campbell has withdrawn from next month's Scottish Open to spend time with his parents following his win in the US Open golf championship.

The New Zealander's parents, Tom and Mary, will arrive from Wellington on July 4 and Campbell wants to the spend the week with them before heading to the British Open at St Andrews which begins on July 14.

His decision to bypass the Scottish Open beginning on July 7, will be blow to the Loch Lomond tournament.

Campbell was runner-up to Frenchman Thomas Levet last year and his presence this year would have ensured eight major winners competing along the shores of Loch Lomond.

"It was a big decision to decide not to compete in the Scottish Open as the event is always one of my favourites," Campbell said.

"But my parents are flying in from New Zealand and I want to spend the time with them.

"It's been a remarkable few days since I won the US Open and I have really been in survival mode all week enjoying the occasion with my wife and family and friends.

"It's hard to fathom the outpouring of congratulations and well wishes I've received from everyone since I've returned to Britain on Tuesday.

"I'm still getting text messages at the rate of about one every few minutes and I checked my website on Tuesday morning and I already had over 6000 emails when normally I would only receive six to 10 a week.

"But I hope everyone involved and those attending the Scottish Open will understand my position and I look forward to their support and encouragement the following week at St Andrews for the Open championship."

Campbell will return to competition at next Thursday's European Open in Ireland.

After the British Open, he will play the following week's Deutsche Bank Championship in Hamburg before he and his family return to New Zealand -- with the coveted US Open trophy.

- NZPA