Golf: Edwin star as Cambo battles on

Michael Campbell. Photo / Getty Images

A year ago Michael Campbell considered giving up the sport that made him a household name.

Unable to make cuts on the European Tour and with his past glories a receding memory, the 2005 US Open winner seriously thought about retiring.

But instead the 42-year-old linked up with a new coach, Australian Gary Edwin, and is going into this week's New Zealand Open in a positive frame of mind.

The tournament, which Campbell won in 2000, starts at the Clearwater Resort and Golf Course in Christchurch tomorrow.

"I'm pretty happy right now, compared to 12 months ago. I was ready to chuck in the towel, but Gary came along and changed my attitude and my swing and it's definitely better now," Campbell said.

"I was shooting pretty bad scores. I couldn't even break par which is pretty ridiculous really."

Campbell hasn't won a tournament this year but says his statistics are good for the year _ despite indifferent form in the past fortnight.

"Fairways and greens hit are up since even before 2005, so it's been my best ball-striking year, which is encouraging.

"I'm shooting some good scores but not really completing four rounds.

"My (new) coach is making a big difference. It's been a rollercoaster ride but I'm here, I'm patient. Look at the All Blacks, they were patient for 24 years and so were we as fans and spectators, so I think patience is the key."

Campbell met Edwin at the Australian Masters last year and after asking him what he thought of his game they struck up a partnership.

"They were pretty dark days, it wasn't good stuff, but thank God I met Gary.

"I couldn't see me winning again. That's why we play golf tournaments. I couldn't even visualise me holding a trophy, but things have changed now.

"I love it so much, I love competing. I love being out there and winning golf tournaments.

"I'm not a quitter. I've had a few emails from fans saying it's time to hang up the clubs, but I'm not ready yet."

Campbell said he ruled out working with a sports psychologist as he battled to reclaim his form.

"I've had offers from around the world, particularly in this country, to have hypnosis and that sort of stuff. But it's not my cup of tea."

His only concern is his putting.

"Normally putting is the strong part of my game but this year it's been the other way."

Campbell worked with Jonathan Yarwood for 10 years for teaming up with Edwin. Now another change is on the horizon.

After living in Sydney for many years, his family will move to Switzerland in January to be closer to European Tour events.

Campbell, who won only EURO77,804 on this year's tour, said his particiapation at Clearwater wasn't about boosting his bank account.

"Financially I'm very comfortable. I'm not there for the money. I have no idea how much we are playing for this week and I don't really care. All I want to do is hold that silverware."

For the record the purse is AUS$400,000 and the winner will pocket AU$72,000.