Michael Campbell to resume career in NZ Open

Michael Campbell who will play in the New Zealand Open before embarking on a seniors golfing career.

Michael Campbell will re-commence his golfing career, following three years in retirement, at the New Zealand Open next month.

“I’m very excited to start the next chapter of my golfing career at the 100th New Zealand Open in Queenstown,’’ said Campbell, winner of the United States Open in 2005.

“It’s been three years since I retired and I now plan to join the senior tour. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the season than playing at home, in what is going to be a milestone event.

“The New Zealand Open is one of my favourite golfing tournaments. We are lucky to have an event of this calibre here in New Zealand – it brings top international talent to New Zealand and has helped me and many others progress our careers. I couldn’t miss being part of the 100th celebration (of the New Zealand Open).”

Campbell has been retired from competitive golf since 2015 and his 50th birthday coincides with the week of celebratory events leading up to the New Zealand Open. That age makes him eligible for the PGA and European senior tours.

Campbell is one of only three Kiwi professionals to have won a golf major which he achieved when he beat Tiger Woods to win the US Open. The other two Kiwis to win majors are Bob Charles and Lydia Ko.

Campbell and the 100th New Zealand Open team also announced Manuka Doctor (a sponsor of Campbell) will join the list of major sponsors for the event.

Said tournament committee chairman John Hart: “To have a home-grown successful New Zealand company like Manuka Doctor come on board is a real vote of confidence in our event. We are absolutely delighted that they have elected to be a part of our 100th tournament celebration.”

”It is a thrill for us to have Michael Campbell return to play in New Zealand again and we are particularly grateful that, through our association with Manuka Doctor, we are able to add a former major winner of his calibre to our field,” says Hart.

“One hundred years of the New Zealand Open is something all Kiwis should feel proud of. This is an iconic sporting event and one that deserves celebrating.”

Manuka Doctor is a New Zealand company taking iconic Manuka honey to the international arena with genuine, authentic true-to-label Manuka honey and skincare products.

Manuka honey has been dubbed a superfood so it seemed like a perfect pairing to help power the players at the New Zealand Open with natural energy of Manuka honey.

Manuka Doctor representative Nicola MacFarlane said: “We are thrilled Michael Campbell – one of New Zealand’s golfing elite – will be playing in the New Zealand Open. It’s great to be able to bring him home to play in such a premium golfing event being played out in picture perfect Queenstown. Together we are showcasing the very best of New Zealand to the world.”