'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.
-
Tags: Michael Campbell, New Zealand Open
Related Articles
U.S. Open local qualifying results
by Golf Channel Digital | May 17, 2013 11:43 AM ETLocal qualifying results for the 113th U.S. Open to be contested at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., June 13-16. Read More
U.S. Women's Open sectional qualifying results
by Golf Channel Digital | May 16, 2013 4:02 PM ETSectional qualifying results for the U.S. Women's Open to be contested June 27-30 at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. Read More
With baby due, Oosthuizen may miss U.S. Open
by Will Gray | May 14, 2013 5:45 PM ETWith his wife expected to deliver their third child during the week of the U.S. Open, Louis Oosthuizen explained Tuesday he likely won't tee it up at Merion as a result. Read More
Ballengee is a GolfChannel.com contributor who writes for GTC and Fantasy Insider.
Latest News
- LIVE STREAM: Watch Lexi, Korda in Mobile
- SCORING: Bradley leads by 1 | 61 by Nordqvist
- Venturi dies at 82 | Twitter reaction | Photos
- Arnie, Jack recall Venturi | Nelson connection
- Singh among Byron Nelson MDF casualties
- G-Mac bests Colsaerts in Volvo quarters | Results
- Colsaerts' drive results in bathroom drop | Video
- McIlroy leaves agent, forms firm | Timeline
- Only one Irish team to compete at World Cup
- Howell hoping for U.S. Open berth via OWGR
- USGA to announce anchoring news Tuesday
- Open qualifying: Men's local | Women's sectional
- Instruction: Improve your thought process
