The eight time winner on the European Tour wanted to return to New Zealand for two reasons; to win the BMW New Zealand Open title but also, just as importantly, support the people of Christchurch.
Campbell, who famously won the New Zealand Open at Paraparaumu in 2000, has shown glimpses of getting back to his best on the European Tour in 2011.
He has fond memories of 2000 when he secured the title with a superb eight under 64 in the final round.
"Well apart from my major win - the US Open 2005 - winning at Paraparaumu was definitely one of my highlights because it was so close to my home town, Titahi Bay in Wellington. I played there a lot and to win there was something very special indeed. To have my family there too was even more special. Winning was great in 2000.''
He came close to winning the New Zealand Open title for a second time at Gulf Harbour in 2006 when he finished runner up to Australian Nathan Green. He wants to make the most of the closing stretch of his stellar international career.
Campbell has been inspired by the feats of his good friends Thomas Bjorn [Three European Tour wins] and Darren Clarke [Open Champion] in 2011 as he strives to get back to his best.
"Absolutely, they are both around my age, around 42, 43-years-old. To see Thomas win three times this year and obviously Big D winning The Open this year was incredible stuff. It is very encouraging to see my mates do so well and I am around the same sort of age so it is definitely encouraging.''
The honorary life member on the European Tour feels like his game is about to click.
"Well my stats say it all. I have been hitting a lot of greens and a lot of fairways but my putts haven't been any good as they have been over the last few years. I am heading in the right direction which is very, very positive. I feel very confident about my game. What I need to do now is put four rounds together so hopefully by the next couple of months I will be doing that.''
He is hoping that turnaround will come at Clearwater - a course designed by John Darby with Sir Bob Charles that has tested Campbell in recent time.
"Look it hasn't been kind to me over the last couple of times I have played it but hopefully this year that will change. It is definitely a challenging golf course. The last time I played it the weather wasn't too nice so hopefully it will be better this time. I am there to just enjoy the week. Enjoy being home again. It's been a long time since I played the New Zealand Open so I am looking forward to it.''
