Michael Campbell has won the U.S. Open, the first major golf tournament victory by a New Zealand player in more than 40 years since R.J. (Bob) Charles won the British Open in 1963.
The last time New Zealander Michael Campbell was seen on the world stage, he was a partner of (South African) Retief Goosen for the International Team in the President's Cup. On Sunday, he took advantage of Goosen's early collapse and then held off the best player in the world down the stretch, winning the U.S. Open by two shots over Tiger Woods.
"If I just played well enough, I had a chance. And I knew if I shot two or three under [par] in the last round, it was maybe a chance to win the tournament," Campbell said. "But things went my way. I sunk some long putts, and some good ones, par-saving putts too. I can just walk away right now and think, people back home, if I can do it so can you."
Campbell made three long birdie putts on the back nine. And he shot a one-under par 69, tied for the best round of the day, finishing at even par (for the tournament). The $1 million first prize he wins today could be doubled this fall. Campbell will now be invited to the HSBC Matchplay Championships at Wentworth (England).
