KEY POINTS:
A senior citizen who knows what he's talking about gave troubled golfer Michael Campbell some friendly advice after he crashed out of the New Zealand Open yesterday.
Campbell booked an early flight home when a second round of four-over 76 left him 15 shots behind the leader in 102nd place.
It marked his second successive missed cut and was further evidence of how much his game has declined since he won the US Open two years ago.
New Zealand's only other major winner, Sir Bob Charles, defied his age to qualify for the weekend rounds, the 71-year-old proving he still has it by shooting 68 for a two-round card of one-under 143.
Charles said he sympathised with Campbell, but also suggested the New Zealand No 1 could do more to help himself.
The two chatted briefly before the championship began, with Charles gently inquiring about any physical problems that might explain Campbell's long lean patch.
"He just said his priorities have been thrust in other directions," said Charles, who famously won the 1963 British Open.
"I think that is sad. As great a golfer as he is, his priority should be competitive golf for the foreseeable future. Particularly if his body is holding out, he has got to set goals and get the head clear for playing great golf."
Campbell has spoken often about how the heady aftermath of his US triumph had impacted on his life.
Business ventures and corporate and charity work have chewed up increasing amounts of his time, but this week he said he realised the need to concentrate more on the job at hand.
Campbell released a brief statement yesterday saying he struggled with his driver.
"I really wanted to play well here and I am really disappointed," said Campbell, who won the New Zealand Open in 2000.
- NZPA
