Golf: Winner’s cheque 'could be multiplied by five'

Michael Campbell's breakthrough victory in the US Open leaves him primed to make a financial killing.

Campbell pocketed $1.65 million for winning the second major championship of the year, but potentially he can multiply that by a factor of at least five.

His world ranking is expected to skyrocket from 80 into the world top-50, leading to invitations to attend big-money events this year.

His attractiveness to potential sponsors for product and clothing endorsements can only have improved and his worldwide appeal to tournament organisers willing to pay appearance fees seems secure.

Former touring professional Greg Turner said that dependent on Campbell's form for the next six months, his windfall could be multiplied by five.

"If he keeps playing all right he will have the potential to earn off the back of the US Open," Turner said.

"There are various other special events that he will get into. How much more lucrative it is for him depends on whether he plays well or not."

In Campbell's favour is the fact he travels well. He has an established reputation in Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, where he has won most of his titles.

Until yesterday, his status in the US has been low-key, so North America remains unconquered terrain. Victory in the US Open will briefly catapult him into the spotlight on that continent and the career-defining result could not have come at a more opportune time as Campbell looks to replace his management.

NZ Golf operations manager Phil Aickin said Campbell and his long-term manager, Andrew Ramsey, an Australian, had parted ways.

Campbell's year

Feb 3-6: Heineken Open, Melbourne, 73, 74, missed cut.
Feb 10-13: Holden NZ Open, Gulf Harbour, 73, 70, missed cut.
Feb 17-20: Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur, 76, 76, missed cut.
Mar 3-6: Dubai Desert Classic, 78, 73, missed cut.
Mar 10-13: Qatar Masters, Doha, 75, 71, missed cut.
Mar 17-10: TCL Classic, Hainan, China, 68, 66, 70, 68, -16 (12th).
Apr 21-24: Johnnie Walker Classic, Beijing, 70, 65, 68, 72, -13 (3rd).
Apr 28-May 1: BMW Asian Open, Shanghai, 73, 71, 70, 74, par (46th).
May 12-15: British Masters, Coventry, 73, 70, 67, 73, -5 (12th).
May 19-22: Nissan Irish Open, Dublin, 74, 75 (missed cut).
May 26-29: BMW Championships, Surrey, 71, 68, 71, 71, -7 (8th).
Jun 3-6: Wales Open, Newport, 65, 72, 70, 65, -4 (15th).
Jun 16-19: US Open, Pinehurst, 71, 69, 71, 69, par (1st).

- NZPA