'05 Open champ Campbell considered quitting
- By Ryan Ballengee
- Nov 30, 2011 2:50 PM ET
Michael Campbell was close to giving up the game, but believes a new coach can help him return to form.
“I can’t imagine not playing golf,” the 2005 U.S. Open champion said Wednesday at the New Zealand Open. “I considered giving up and asked myself if I still wanted to win. I slept on it and the answer was yes, I do."
“I love it so much. I love competing. I love winning golf tournaments. If I felt I could not compete or win again, I would throw it away. Deep down inside I am not a quitter. For me personally I am not ready yet.”
Campbell changed coaches to Gary Edwin a year ago, and the Kiwi sees it starting to pay off.
"It has been a year with him now. It’s been a roller-coaster year but I am patient," he said. “At one stage before my time with Gary I couldn’t see myself winning. There was no way I could visualize holding a trophy a year ago but now I can.”
Campbell’s best finish of the season was a 19th at the Trophee Hassan II – his best European Tour effort since finishing third at the British Masters in 2008. He finished 12th at the Aussie Open last year.
“The last couple of weeks have been indifferent but the whole year has been encouraging,” Campbell said.
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Tags: Michael Campbell, New Zealand Open
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Ballengee is a GolfChannel.com contributor who writes for GTC and Fantasy Insider.
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