SAINT QUENTIN, France, July 1 (Reuters) - Former U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell’s fortunes continued to improve when a four-under 67 in Friday’s French Open second round gave him a chance of victory after six years of misery.
The New Zealander’s form has deteriorated badly since he won the 2005 U.S. Open. The last of his eight European Tour wins came six years ago and in 2010 he finished 244th on the money-list.
Campbell, 42, has sought help to escape from his downward spiral from all quarters including taking advice from record-breaking Olympic rower Steve Redgrave of Britain.
This season, though, has seen little change. He has made only five cuts in 15 starts, failed to qualify for the weekend in his previous five events and is 188th on the money-list.
However, three rounds in the 60s in the last week, including a 66 when he narrowly failed to qualify for the British Open, has inspired him.
Now Campbell is aiming to “sneak up and win” this week to clinch a British Open spot at Sandwich in two weeks.
“This shows I’ve still got the goods to win,” Campbell told Reuters after finishing on three-under-par 139 at Le Golf National.
“I got bumped out of Open qualifying by a stroke by a guy in the last group but it proved to me I’m on the way back.
“I shot five-under last week in the BMW International (in Munich). It’s amazing how things can change so quickly.”
Campbell could earn a place at Sandwich if he finishes in the top five this week. The best finisher in the top five not already exempt will get the place.
The New Zealander’s form has deteriorated badly since he won the 2005 U.S. Open. The last of his eight European Tour wins came six years ago and in 2010 he finished 244th on the money-list.
Campbell, 42, has sought help to escape from his downward spiral from all quarters including taking advice from record-breaking Olympic rower Steve Redgrave of Britain.
This season, though, has seen little change. He has made only five cuts in 15 starts, failed to qualify for the weekend in his previous five events and is 188th on the money-list.
However, three rounds in the 60s in the last week, including a 66 when he narrowly failed to qualify for the British Open, has inspired him.
Now Campbell is aiming to “sneak up and win” this week to clinch a British Open spot at Sandwich in two weeks.
“This shows I’ve still got the goods to win,” Campbell told Reuters after finishing on three-under-par 139 at Le Golf National.
“I got bumped out of Open qualifying by a stroke by a guy in the last group but it proved to me I’m on the way back.
“I shot five-under last week in the BMW International (in Munich). It’s amazing how things can change so quickly.”
Campbell could earn a place at Sandwich if he finishes in the top five this week. The best finisher in the top five not already exempt will get the place.
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